[ 17 May 2015 00:28 ]
The ISIL militants “advanced and took control of most of northern Palmyra, and there are fierce clashes happening now," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, on Saturday.
He added that 13 ISIL militants were killed in clashes near the Islamic citadel in the city's west.
On Thursday, the UN cultural agency expressed grave concern over the threats posed by the Takfiri ISIL group to Palmyra in Syria’s western province of Homs.
“The site has already suffered four years of conflict, it suffered from looting and represents an irreplaceable treasure for the Syrian people and for the world,” Irina Bokova, the director general of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said.
“I appeal to all parties to protect Palmyra and make every effort to prevent its destruction,” the UN official added.
