Islamic State militants have reportedly destroyed another irreplaceable ancient artifact in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra.

Activists say so-called Islamic State blew up the city’s Arch of Triumph, describing it has having been “pulverized.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the arch had ornaments that Islamic State considered blasphemous.

Upon hearing the news, Syria’s antiquities chief Maamoun Abdulkarim told the Reuters news agency, “It’s as though there is a curse that has befallen this city and I expect only news that will shock us. If the city remains in their (Islamic State’s) hands, the city is doomed.”

If the destruction is confirmed by satellite images, it would be the third ancient site destroyed since Islamic State seized Palmyra in May.

Two Roman-era temples already have been blown up.

The extremists consider ancient historic artifacts and images to be blasphemous. The United Nations and historians regard such actions to be war crimes. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Labor