The official said he expects the process to be long and difficult due to the large number of mines planted by the terrorist group. He spoke on condition of anonymity Friday in line with regulations, AFP reported.
Syria's military announced the previous night that its forces have fully recaptured Palmyra from Daesh as the militants' defenses crumbled and the terrorists fled in the face of artillery fire and intense Russia-backed airstrikes.
The development marks the third time the town — famed for its priceless Roman ruins and archaeological treasures Daesh had sought to destroy — has changed hands in one year.