DAMASCUS, Syria — A Syrian military official says bomb squads are working on removing mines and bombs planted by the Islamic State group in the historic town of Palmyra.

The official says the explosives have been planted across much of Palmyra, including residential areas as well as the historic quarter that is home to some of the Mideast’s most valuable archaeological relics.

The official spoke Monday on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Syrian troops and pro-government militiamen captured Palmyra Sunday under the cover of Russian airstrikes ending a 10-month control of the town by the extremists.

During its rule of Palmyra, IS killed scores of people and destroyed invaluable artifacts dating back more than 1,800 years, along with a famed Roman triumphal archway.