ISIS Destroys Another Syrian Heritage – Roman Built Arch of Triumph
Benjie Batanes | | Oct 05, 2015 09:03 AM EDT |
(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.
Like Us on Facebook
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.
TagsISIS, Islamic militant, IS caliphate, Arch of Triumph, Roman city, Palmyra, Bashir al-Assad, Syrian rebels, Russian air strike in syria, world heritage site
©2015 Chinatopix All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission
EDITOR'S PICKS
-
Did the Trump administration just announce plans for a trade war with ‘hostile’ China and Russia?
-
US Senate passes Taiwan travel bill slammed by China
-
As Yan Sihong’s family grieves, here are other Chinese students who went missing abroad. Some have never been found
-
Beijing blasts Western critics who ‘smear China’ with the term sharp power
-
China Envoy Seeks to Defuse Tensions With U.S. as a Trade War Brews
-
Singapore's Deputy PM Provides Bitcoin Vote of Confidence Amid China's Blanket Bans
-
China warns investors over risks in overseas virtual currency trading
-
Chinese government most trustworthy: survey
-
Kashima Antlers On Course For Back-To-Back Titles
MOST POPULAR
LATEST NEWS
Zhou Yongkang: China's Former Security Chief Sentenced to Life in Prison
China's former Chief of the Ministry of Public Security, Zhou Yongkang, has been given a life sentence after he was found guilty of abusing his office, bribery and deliberately ... Full Article
TRENDING STORY
-
China Pork Prices Expected to Stabilize As The Supplies Recover
-
Elephone P9000 Smartphone is now on Sale on Amazon India
-
There's a Big Chance Cliffhangers Won't Still Be Resolved When Grey's Anatomy Season 13 Returns
-
Supreme Court Ruled on Samsung vs Apple Dispute for Patent Infringement
-
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Rumors and Release Date: What is the Latest?