Advertisement

  1. National

Islamic State enters ancient Syrian city of Palmyra

Islamic State militants have entered the ancient ruins of Palmyra after taking control of the Syrian city, monitors say.

Insurgents swept into Palmyra's military air base, prison and intelligence headquarters on Wednesday and were now in the city's ancient sites, Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

View all 13 updates ›

Islamic State militants 'enter Palmyra's ruins'

Islamic State militants have entered the ancient ruins of Palmyra after taking control of the Syrian city, monitors say.

A historic site in the anceint city of Palmyra, Syria. Credit: PA Wire

Insurgents swept into Palmyra's military air base, prison and intelligence headquarters on Wednesday and were now in the city's ancient sites, Rami Abdulrahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.

However, he said there were so far no reports of destruction of the artefacts so far.

There are fears the group will destroy the historical ruins, which are regarded as "one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world".

Mr Abdulrahman said around 100 pro-Assad fighters had been killed in clashes since Wednesday and forces were now withdrawing.

More top news