New pictures of the devastation at Palmyra have emerged after Syrian troops backed by Russian air support recaptured the ancient city from Isis (Daesh). The images show the extensive damage done to the Unesco World Heritage site while under the 10-month occupation by Islamic State.

However, much of Palmyra's ancient monuments remain intact. Syria's antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim told AFP news agency "the landscape, in general, is in good shape". He added that they had been "expecting the worst" and was planning on visiting the city on Monday 28 March to begin a survey of the area.

Military sources say the Syrian army now has "full control" after days of fighting backed by Russian air strikes.

Palmyra
A flag belonging to the Islamic State fighters is seen on a motorbike after forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad recaptured Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad flash victory signs and carry a Syrian national flag on the edge of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
A view shows damaged artefacts inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
Syrian troops gather at a palace complex on the western edge of Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
The damaged Lion of Al-Lat statue at the entrance of the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
An aerial view of the Roman theater in Palmyra is seen in this still image taken from video by RURTR Reuters
Palmyra
A member of forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad takes a position inside a palace complex during their offensive to recapture Palmyra Reuters
Palmyra
Forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad gesture the victory sign as they advance into the historic city of Palmyra Reuters
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