(VOVworld) – The Syrian army’s recent victories on the ground have created a turning point in the war against IS in Syria. Government forces have retaken a number of key areas and killed a number of rebel leaders, significantly changing the situation in Syria since Russia launched its military intervention there.

After retaking Palmyra, which had been occupied by IS since May, 2015, the Syrian army regained control of Qariatein, an IS stronghold in Homs province used as a supply base for IS forces in Palmyra.

Syrian army takes control on the ground

The liberation of Palmyra, a UNESCO-recognized world heritage, constitutes a severe blow to IS logistics because Palmyra has been a transit point between Syria’s oil-rich desert in the east and residential areas in the west. It is a gateway to Raqqa province, the headquarters of IS. The liberation of Palmyra is expected to pave the way for Syrian government forces to advance to Raqqa and the eastern city of Deir ez-Zor.

Military analysts say the victories of the Syrian government forces are largely thanks to Russian airstrikes against IS bases. IS is now losing territory to the Syrian army and its number 2 leader has been killed by coalition forces.

A change at the negotiation table      

Military victories on the ground have improved the position of President Bashar al-Assad prior to the Syria peace talks scheduled for April 9 in Geneva. President Assad’s future has been a major point of contention between Russia and the US. Recent developments have bolstered Russia’s defense of President Assad’s political future. The US insists that the war in Syria will continue because Assad is a magnet for terrorism, violence, and jihadists who will continue to fight if he remains in power.

But, the US is no longer demanding President’s Assad’s resignation as a prerequisite for political transition in Syria. During John Kerry’s recent visit to Russia, the US Secretary of State and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed that President Assad’s future will not be discussed for the moment. They also agreed that the situation in Syria is improving.

Prior to the Syria peace talks, UN Syria Envoy Staffan de Mistura said discussions will not focus on negotiation principles but on the political process in Syria.