ISIL establishes control over strategic and ancient Syrian city of Palmyra

The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) militants on Wednesday took the entire control of a crucial and an ancient Syrian city, Palmyra, following the removal of the government military troops. The Syrian government admitted to removing its soldiers combatting the ISIL, as the extremist terror group advanced rapidly in the city.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported about the control ISIL took over at Palmyra. However, most of the inhabitants had been evacuated from the region, following which troops were removed.

Reports in the media claimed noxious clashes erupted between the militants and the government troops, with those on the ground claiming heavy bombardment in the city. IS militants have demolished several ancient sites that pre-date Islam in Iraq, including Hatra and Nimrud, the BBC reported.

Hundreds of statues and ancient artifacts from Palmyra’s museum have already been transferred out of the city, the Syrian antiquities chief told Al Jazeera.

Palmyra, an ancient Semitic city, is a crucial and strategic location, a historic site also known as Tadmur. It is located in the Syrian Desert region and has been named by the UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

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About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash