In late May, the jihadists began their offensive against the Syrian regime in Palmyra, home to world-famous ancient ruins classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. In others, the militants joined in the public destruction themselves.
Advertisement
“These new destructions of cultural goods of the site of Palmyra reflect the brutality and ignorance of extremist groups and their disregard of local communities and of the Syrian people”, said Irina Bokova, Unesco director-general.
Among the antiquities destroyed was the Lion Statue of Athena, a unique limestone piece more than 10 feet high that dated back to the 1st century BC.
The Associated Press reported in May that scores of Syrian troops and state employees were killed in the days after the Islamic State group captured the town on May 27.
IS has destroyed several heritage sites in its advance across Iraq and Syria, including the cities of Mosul, Nimrud, Hatra and Khorsabad. The city is known for its 2,000-year-old ruins.
IS is said to be funding its military expansion by establishing a monopoly on selling artefacts looted from ancient cities, while punishing lone smugglers who try and sell outside the system.
These allegations are challenged by experts from the art world. Although it is common practice in the region for individuals to seek out charms against jealousy, bad luck, persistent problems, and the like, it is considered heretical under the extreme fundamentalist laws enforced by the so-called Islamic State in areas within their control. The capture of the city, which has a history dating back 4,000 years, sparked global fears the extremist group would damage the site’s ancient treasures.
“Ms Bokova also recently warned against “the brutal and deliberate destruction of heritage on an unprecedented scale” taking place across the Middle East and North Africa”.
This week, two children were crucified in the Mayadin, Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria after ISIS leaders accused them of “improper fasting” during the Islamic month of Ramadan, which runs from June 17 to July 17.
Advertisement
Islamic State has released a video purportedly showing the horrific execution of 25 captives carried out by boy soldiers.
