The militants of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have taken full control of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, which us an UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Palmyra is also the home to some of the world’s most magnificent ancient ruins. The officials of United Nations and Syria have expressed fears that ISIS will destroy the ruins, just as it demolished the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and also smashed statues in Iraq’s Mosul Museum.
The militants have taken control over the prison of Palmyra and Intelligence headquarters. Thousands of people have already fled from the city. The ancient ruins are situated in a strategically important area on the road between Syria’s capital Damascus and the contested eastern city of Deir al-Zour.
The ISIS is capturing cities in Syria and Iraq. They are becoming unstoppable now. The Syrian government says it has moved many artifacts, including hundreds of statues, to safer locations.
Tidbits
- Palmyra was an ancient Semitic city dating back to the Neolithic age.
- Palmyra was incorporated into the Seleucid Empire, followed by the Roman Empire, which brought great prosperity.
GK Questions
- Who was the founder of ISIS? Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
- Who is the current head of ISIS? Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
