SYRIAN government troops advanced towards Palmyra yesterday where Isis philistines have destroyed more ancient monuments, Russia’s Defence Ministry said.

Drone flights over the city, which the jihadists recaptured in December nine months after being ousted by government forces, showed a central section of its famous Roman theatre laying in ruins, said Moscow.

But Syrian troops were within 12 miles of Palmyra yesterday, with Russian jets flying more than 90 sorties in the last week in support.