AKIPRESS.COM - Syrian government forces and their Russian backers have completely recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from so-called Islamic State (IS) militants, the two allies say.

The army and other pro-government forces were reported to have entered deep into the city after IS pulled out, BBC reported.

It ends the second occupation of Palmyra by the jihadists.

The first time they controlled the area, the militants destroyed some of its most celebrated monuments.

IS fighters were driven out in March last year, but managed to retake the city, its world famous ruins and the surrounding area in December.

Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar al-Jaafari confirmed the recapture on Thursday. He said the city had been "liberated from the hands of the terrorist organisation" and that President Bashar al-Assad had kept his promise to drive them out.