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11/02/2024 09:35:47 am

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ISIS Destroys Another Syrian Heritage – Roman Built Arch of Triumph

ISIS Destroys Arch of Palmyra

(Photo : Reuters) ISIS has destroyed one of Syria's ancient treasures - the arch of triumph in Palmyra.

Members of islamic militant group ISIS have destroyed another ancient Syrian monument, the Arch of Triumph, which was built by the Romans 2,000 years ago in the city of Palmyra. The destruction of the arch was confirmed by observers on Sunday.

Reuters reported that in addition to the Roman monument, two ancient temples were demolished earlier. UNESCO has since declared the ancient site as a World Heritage. Tens of thousands visitors worldwide travelled to Palmyra annually before the violence in Syria occurred.

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The Syrian head of Antiquities Maamoun Abdulkarim told reporters that the Roman-built Palmyra may disappear entirely if the terrorists are not removed from the area. He added that the militants are mindlessly destroying of the ancient temples and landmarks in the country.

UNESCO declared Palmyra as a world heritage site because the ancient city showcased the cultural arts of a number of civilizations including countries in the Middle East and Mediterranean. Syrian officials say  Palmyra symbolizes how different cultures can maintain harmony with one another, which runs counter to the agenda of the Islamic militants.

The Islamic State (ISIS), which currently occupies parts of Syria and Iraq, is on a campaign to demolish ancient and cultural structures it deems to be against Islam. They have released a number of photographs detailing the destruction of the ancient structures.

The United Nations (UN) has described the actions of ISIS action as being akin to war crimes. Syrian authorities say they managed to save many of the ancient relics and statues before the city fell into the hands of the militants.

Syrian troops under the President Bashar al-Assad have suffered several defeats from the ISIS, who have managed to capture a substantial territory in the country.

On the last week of September, the Russian Air Force hit numerous targets in Syria reportedly in a bid to help the Syrian government defeat Islamic extremist groups.

The United States and her allies, however, accused Russia of hitting Syrian rebels, who have more moderate views than ISIS.

A quarter of million have died and up to 50 percent of the Syrian population have fled the country since fighting erupted four years ago.

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