Assad forces close in on Islamic State at Palmyra Amid intense fighting between Syrian troops and militants, accusations of Russian airstrikes against civilians continue   Islamic State militants took control of Palmyra in May 2015. Photograph: Gustau Nacarino/Reuters Forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad and backed by Russian airstrikes are fightingIslamic State militants close to the … Continue reading Assad forces close in on Islamic State at Palmyra