Russian mine disposal specialists to begin demining Syria's Palmyra soon
DAMASCUS. March 6 (Interfax) - A unit of Russian mine disposal specialists tasked with demining Palmyra is expected to arrive in Syria this week, a Syrian military source told Interfax on Monday.
"The unit is expected to arrive this week," the source said.
It was reported on March 2 that the Syrian Armed Forces had completed the operation to take over Palmyra with support from the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Palmyra, one of the richest centers of ancient civilization, had been under control of terrorists from ISIL, which is banned in Russia, since mid May 2015. The Syrian army liberated Palmyra from ISIL in late March 2016 with support from the Russian Aerospace Forces. Nevertheless, ISIL militants again took over the city in December 2016 after two days of continuous attacks.
Russian mine disposal specialists already have experience of demining Palmyra; they worked there in spring 2016.
Additionally, a unit of the international anti-mine center worked on demining eastern Aleppo in winter 2016-2017. A branch of the center is working in the city and Syrian sappers are being trained there.