Jihadis celebrate capture of Russian base in Palmyra, Syria

The Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency has produced a torrent of content from the battle of Palmyra in recent days. The videos, photos and statements are, of course, jihadi propaganda. The images are intended to help the so-called caliphate brag about one of its few battlefield successes in recent months.

One video released earlier today trumpeted the capture of a Russian base inside Palmyra. The Islamic State’s men are shown sorting through the weapons and ammunition left behind. It appears the Russians were gone by the time Abu Bakr al Baghdadi’s men showed up. The video shows some Russian books on a table and paraphernalia scattered on the floor, but there is no indication that any Russians were killed when the base was overrun.

Separately, Amaq also produced an infographic (seen below) supposedly documenting the jihadists’ spoils during the four-day battle in Homs province. Amaq claims that all of the following were seized: 44 tanks, 7 BMPs, 7 130mm cannons, 14 23mm cannons, several anti-armor rocket launchers, dozens of anti-armor rockets, various automatic weapons, military vehicles, weapons and ammunition. In addition, 352 men from the Syrian Army and allied Shiite militias were purportedly killed.

Of course, it is impossible to independently verify these figures. However, the video from inside the Russian base does document some of the Islamic State’s “spoils.” Screen shots from the recording can be seen below.

Amax’s infographic summarizing the battle of Palmyra:

16-12-13-battle-of-palmyra