Daesh demolishes ancient arch in Syria’s Palmyra

HOMS, Syria

The Daesh militant group on Sunday reportedly destroyed another historical monument in the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria’s central-western Homs province, according to a local activist.

“The militant group blew up the upper part of Palmyra’s Arch of Triumph, destroying the arch and damaging the pillars on which it stood,” the activist, speaking anonymously, told Anadolu Agency.

Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen several of its monuments demolished by Daesh since the extremist group wrested control of the ancient city from Syrian regime forces in May.

Daesh drew international condemnation this summer when it destroyed the ancient temples of Baalshamin and Bel, along with a number of ancient tombs.

Syria’s devastating civil conflict, now in its fifth year, has left some 250,000 people dead and millions displaced, according to UN figures.

The conflict, which has left the country divided between several competing heavily-armed factions, has served as a breeding ground for Daesh, which currently controls significant portions of both Syria and Iraq.