A look at Palmyra, the historic Syrian town retaken from IS

FILE - This undated file image released by UNESCO shows the site of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria. Palmyra is an archaeological gem that Syrian troops took back from Islamic State fighters, Sunday, March 27, 2016. A desert oasis surrounded by palm trees in central Syria, Palmyra is also a strategic crossroads linking the Syrian capital, Damascus with the country's east and neighboring Iraq. Home to 65,000 people before the latest fighting, the town is located 155 miles (215 kilometers) east of Damascus. (Ron Van Oers, UNESCO via AP, File)

By Associated Press March 27, 2016 3 min read

BEIRUT (AP) – A look at Palmyra, the archaeological gem that Syrian troops took back from Islamic State fighters.

LOCATION

A desert oasis surrounded by palm trees in central Syria, Palmyra is also a strategic crossroads linking the Syrian capital, Damascus, with the country’s east and neighboring Iraq. Home to 65,000 people before the latest fighting, the town is located 155 miles (215 kilometers) east of Damascus.

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HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE