THE battle for the ancient Syrian town of Palmyra continued yesterday, with government troops gaining more ground against Islamic State (Isis).

The Sana news agency said that the army, supported by volunteer militias, had captured Syriatel hill near the medieval Palmyra castle.

Soldiers were combing the hillside after destroying the last Isis bolt-holes there and neutralising the numerous booby traps that the Salafist terrorists typically leave behind to hinder their opponents’ advance.