The ancient ruins of Palmyra are in danger of destruction now that the Islamic State has control over the city.
The Islamic State overtook the city of Palmyra in Syria on Thursday. Palmyra is home to ancient artifacts and historical structures. Many fear that the militants will loot and destroy the archeological treasures as they have done in the past.
Palmyra is the second major city that the Islamic State has captured this week, the other was Ramadi in Iraq. The city of Palmyra also holds the Tadmur Prison which contains political and anti-government prisoners. Some state that the significant political prisoners were transferred to another prison before Palmyra was taken.
Syria has lost a lot of ground to the IS militants, who now control about half of Syria. The militants currently have control of historical areas as well as oil and gas fields. They have been known to sell both relics and resources to create money for their terrorist group.
Soldiers and military officials allegedly fled the city after a week-long attack by the Islamic State. Residents claim that many families were not able to escape the city before the militants took control. Despite a campaign of U.S. led airstrikes against the Islamic State, the militants have gained significant ground in the past week.
Palmyra was once a Roman city and still contains relics and monuments of historical significance. The ruins are 2,000 years old. The Islamic State has destroyed priceless artifacts in the past at locations like Tikrit in Iraq. The ancient ruins of Palmyra are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the international community fears the possible damage that the IS will cause.
Officials, however, stated that some artifacts and other historical treasures were transported into safe locations. The large colonnades and ancient temple, however, are now at the mercy of the IS. Many fear that the militants will destroy the ruins to send a message to the international community.
