ISIL Terrorists Destroy Major Parts of Historical Temple of Bel in Palmyra
HOMS, (ST)- In a new crime against the Syrian cultural heritage, the takfiri terrorists of the so-called “Islamic State of Iraq and Levant” (ISIL) have destroyed major parts of the Palmyra’s ancient temple of Bel which dates back to 32 AD. The crime comes in less than 10 days after ISIL destroyed Bal Shamin temple in Palmyra, the UNESCO-listed city and killed chief Syrian archeologist Khaled al-Ass’ad.
Reliable local sources told SANA correspondent in Homs that the extremist ISIL terrorists yesterday detonated over 30 tons of explosives in the temple, located in the country’s central province of Homs, causing severe damage to the temple.
The richly decorated temple of Bel is located immediately outside the city’s main area.
ISIL took control of Palmyra earlier this year and prompted international concern that the terrorist group might destroy the ancient city.
Over the past three months, ISIL terrorists committed massacres against the people of Palmyra killing more than 500 persons. On August 19th, ISIL beheaded chief Syrian archeologist in Palmyra Khaled al-Assa’d, former Director of Palmyra Antiquities, and mutilated his body. The crime was condemned by many countries and international organizations.
Hamda Mustafa