Syrian army reaches outskirts of IS-held town of Palmyra

DAMASCUS, Syria – Syrian government forces backed by Russian airstrikes advanced swiftly in central Syria on Wednesday, seizing high ground around Palmyra and positioning themselves to recapture the historic town held by the Islamic State group.

The troops, supported by pro-government militias, approached to within 1.8 miles of the town, according to state TV. A Lebanese television station close to Damascus broadcast footage of the troops advancing single-file through a desert as helicopter gunships provided cover.

“God willing, within a few hours we will enter and secure the town,” one officer told the Syrian Ikhbariya TV, as a group of soldiers broke into chants in support of President Bashar Assad. The station was broadcasting live from a road reportedly on the outskirts of Palmyra.

The town is home to impressive Roman-era ruins and was one of Syria’s leading tourist attractions before the 2011 uprising. IS captured Palmyra last May and has destroyed some of the ancient monuments.

In Geneva, meanwhile, the EU foreign policy chief held a rare meeting with Syria’s U.N. ambassador, who is leading the government’s delegation at U.N.-mediated peace talks.

Federica Mogherini said Brussels still insists on a political transition in Damascus as part of efforts to wind down the five-year civil war.

“Obviously not all our exchanges were consensual. But I thought it was important to bring the EU consolidated position that we expect the political process and transition to start,” she told reporters.

Since the outbreak of the civil war, European diplomats have rarely met with Syrian officials, many of whom are subject to U.S. and EU sanctions.

The government forces have been advancing on Palmyra since last week. Recapturing the town would be a major victory for Assad. Russia began withdrawing most of its forces and aircraft from Syria last week after a monthslong bombing campaign that succeeded in turning the tide of the war again in the government’s favor.