(VOVworld) – Syrian government soldiers have made “tangible” military progress in the al-Biyarat area of western Palmyra and reopened a major supply route for oil and gas to Damascus.

Syrian soldiers in position during clashes with the IS in north-eastern Palmyra, Syria, May 17, 2015. (Photo: AFP)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed the army’s advance, saying army soldiers and pro-government militias clashed with the IS on the road connecting Homs and Palmyra. Rami Abdel Rahman, the Director of the UK-based group, said the Syrian army ousted IS militants from al-Biyarat and is now about 10 kilometres from central Palmyra. He said retaking Biyarat will allow the Syrian government to secure an oil transport route from the Jazal field to other Syrian cities.