We previously reported that the UNESCO World Heritage site has come under ISIS rule after the Islamic State made public their claims of cultural cleansing and took control of the historic city of Palmyra. Click here if you missed it!
The Guardian,UK has quoted the Syrian Head of Antiquities and Human Rights Observatory, Maamoun Abdul Karim as saying that the Islamic State armies have now laid mines and explosives on the ancient ruins consisting of Pre-Christian era Greco-Roman structures and it appears they may be ready to blow off the irreplaceable ruins anytime from now.
However, it is now known precisely whether the explosives and mines are being used as a deterrent for the Syrian forces from retaking the town or to destroy the priceless structures.
“It is not known if the purpose is to blow up the ruins or to prevent regime forces from advancing into the town,” said the observatory’s director Rami Abdel Rahman. He said regime forces had launched heavy air strikes against the residential part of the town.
“The regime forces are to the west outside the city, and in recent days they have brought in reinforcements suggesting they may be planning an operation to retake Palmyra,” he added.
“The regime forces are to the west outside the city, and in recent days they have brought in reinforcements suggesting they may be planning an operation to retake Palmyra,” he added.
