The battle for the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of the Syrian desert has dramatically escalated today with the Syrian Armed Forces, backed by the allied National Defense Forces, continue to clamp down on ISIS positions outside the city.

Amid soaring morale to restore the world heritage site, the Syrian Armed Forces have fully recaptured Semiramis Hotel (formerly the Meridian), Mouza Palace and Al-Zera’a roundabout located at the entrance of Palmyra.

The attacking forces also secured Muhtar Mount and the Tombs valley, and are now preparing to liberate Brigade 550.

A few kilometers to the north, the sever sandstorm was no obstacle for the highly-trained government troops to impose full control on at-Tat (Al-Tar) Mountain, from where they pound, with heavy artillery, ISIS barricades near the ancient castle of Palmyra before storming it.

Al-Masdar News has obtained exclusive photos showing the ancient castle of Palmyra and the recently-liberated Semiramis Hotel.