Syrian troops, with the help of Russian VKS, liberated the ancient city of Resafa from ISIS militants. It is called an open-air museum. There are no fewer attractions than in Palmyra.
During retreat, the terrorists mined many buildings and monuments. The terrorists themselves are still in dangerous proximity to the city. Our correspondent Alexander Rudenko is one of the first to walk the streets of the liberated Resafa. Only a week ago this road was a line of demarcation.
The militants desperately defended this territory from the advancing government troops. It can be seen how fierce the battles here were: burned-out vehicles against the background of the ancient city of Resafa. It was already liberated, although the shots can still be heard. The front line is 25 km away.
At any moment, militants can hit the city with mortars. The fact that it's possible is confirmed by the numerous holes in the ground, and the gaping holes in the ancient walls. Resafa is a historical pearl of Syria. The first settlements on this site appeared under the Assyrians, then the Romans built a fort here. In the Bible, it's referred to as Rezeph. Its historical value is no less than that of Palmyra, but no one can get here now, neither tourists, nor archaeologists, nor any sane person in general. Here it's dangerous, the sign is clear without any translation, "Don't enter, mines.' The ancient city, mined by the terrorists, was the center of pilgrimage before the war in Syria for the entire Christian world.
Of course, the Citadel of Resafa is no less important than Palmyra. And it's very good that it was liberated. But now it's not possible to see and touch the centuries-old cathedral, basilica, and the antique water tanks. Explosions and automatic bursts are around it, there is an offensive.
The Tigers, an elite detachment of government troops are pushing the ISIS militants to the north-east. Assad's army hurries to the besieged Deir-ez-Zor, which defends itself from militants for 5 years. The troops are advancing 10-15 kilometers a day closer to the coveted Deir-ez-Zor. The militants are suffering serious losses. Such rates of advance have allowed the peaceful inhabitants to start talking about work in Resafa not only as EOD specialists, but also as archaeologists. Most of the city is still hidden under the many-meter layers of clay and sand.
