Activists: Syrian warplanes attack IS-held town of Palmyra, at least 15 people killed
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Activists say Syrian warplanes are pounding the Islamic State-held town of Palmyra in central Syria, killing at least 15 people in a series of airstrikes.
They say Friday's airstrikes are some of the heaviest since the extremist group seized the ancient town May 10.
The Palmyra airstrikes come a day after the Syrian army carried out heavy air raids in the northern city of Raqqa, also held by the Islamic State group.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Syrian government says it is the leading force fighting IS in Syria. Russia, a key ally of President Bashar Assad, is trying to convince the West of the need to work with Syria in the fight against IS.
A local activist who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons reported around 30 airstrikes on Palmyra Friday.