Tanks & muzzle flash: Syrian special ops filmed on Palmyra outskirts [RT EXCLUSIVE]

Tanks, soldiers in full gear and muzzle flashes – RT reveals exclusive video and photos of Syrian special operations personnel advancing Palmyra to liberate the city from Islamic State terrorists.

The video and photos, taken on March 1, were provided to RT by the Syrian Special Forces. The footage is said to show the troops advancing at the outskirts of Palmyra in a bid to drive out Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants from the embattled city.

A Syrian tank is seen firing a salvo while the flags of Syrian Arab Republic are clearly seen on some military vehicles and some servicemen taking positions to approach the city.

On Thursday, the Syrian Army continued making progress in the battle against terrorists near Palmyra Triangle area, SANA reported. 

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fell under control of IS back in 2015.Terrorists destroyed a number of iconic monuments, including the 1,800-year-old Monumental Arch of Palmyra, most of the Temple of Bel, and the Temple of Baalshamin.

READ MORE: Russian MoD releases drone footage of Roman theater in Palmyra blown up by ISIS (VIDEO)

Palmyra was taken back in March 2016 by the Syrian Army, backed by Russian air support. Following the liberation, Syrian authorities launched reconstruction efforts on the extensive damage done by IS.

However, the city was taken by extremists again in December 2016, which resulted in destruction of a Roman theater and the legendary Tetrapylon in the ancient city.