In new push, IS advances toward Syrian city of Palmyra

Islamic State media say the extremist group is advancing toward the Syrian city of Palmyra, once again threatening the ancient site only several weeks after the government recaptured it.

Syrian troops, with the help of Russian airstrikes, regained control of the world-famous ancient city in March after IS had controlled it for nearly 10 months. During their rule, IS destroyed many of Palmyra's relics and displaced its residents.

Al-Bayan radio reported on Wednesday that IS militants took control of a deserted rocket-launching site near an air base less than 60 kilometers, or 40 miles, from Palmyra. The site lies on the highway linking Palmyra to the military base and the provincial capital Homs, threatening government supply routes.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the reported IS advance.