Islamic State of Iraq and Syria militants, known for their obliteration and wanton destruction of historical sites, have seized parts of the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO world heritage site in Syria, according to reports.
“If [the Islamic State] enters Palmyra, it will spell its destruction,” said Syria’s director of antiquities, Maamoun Abdulkarim, to Agence France-Presse before the news was announced. “If the ancient city falls, it will be an international catastrophe.”
“It will be a repetition of the barbarism and savagery which we saw in Nimrud, Hatra and Mosul,” he said.
“We must save Palmyra,” said Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, in a statement Thursday. The site, a 1st century A.D. desert oasis, “suffered from looting and represents an irreplaceable treasure for the Syrian people and the world. I appeal to all parties to protect Palmyra and make every effort to prevent its destruction.”
Islamic State forces have occupied the northern quarter of the city.
Update 1: Late Saturday Syrian troops recaptured two hills from the Islamic State, Gov. Talal Barazi of Homs province told the Associated Press. He said that army reinforcements are being sent to shore up existing troops. “Palmyra is safe and the road linking Homs with Palmyra is absolutely safe,” he said. The attack on Palmyra in Syria was part of a two-pronged assault by the Islamic State, whose forces took the capital of Iraq’s largest province today.
This story was first posted May 16 at 5:22 p.m. and has been updated.
