Syrians returned to the destroyed city of Palmyra this week after being forced to flee almost a year ago during intense fighting. With the city now free of Islamic State fighters, the government allowed time for residents to salvage their belongings. The demolished UNESCO-listed ancient ruins are unaccessible to the public as the Russian military teams clear the site of hundreds mines left by the militants. -- By Leanne Burden Seidel
A Russian army sapper demines the territory in the historical part of Palmyra, Syria, April 7. According to reports, Russian army sappers are taking part in an operation to defuse mines planted by the Islamic State militant in the Syrian ancient city of Palmyra. Experts have reportedly removed 1500 mines from the city recaptured by the Syrian troops on March 27. (Vadim Savitsky/Russian Defence Ministry via EPA)
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