Islamic State Blows Up Ancient Arch Of Triumph In Palmyra

[davidn3600]

DAMASCUS, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Islamic State militants have blown up the Arch of Triumph, a major monument in the 2,000-year-old Roman city of Palmyra, Syria's antiquities chief said on Sunday, after they destroyed two ancient temples at the central Syrian site in recent months.

Maamoun Abdulkarim told Reuters that sources in Palmyra had confirmed that the Arch of Triumph, a jewel in the exquisite collection of ruins in the oasis city, had been blown up.

Islamic State militants have blown up temples at the Roman-era UNESCO World Heritage site, which it has controlled since capturing Palmyra from Syrian government forces in May and mined other monuments and historic buildings. The group considers the buildings sacrilegious.

"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 hands the city is doomed," Abdulkarim told Reuters.

"It is now wanton destruction ... their acts of vengeance are no longer ideologically driven because they are now blowing up buildings with no religious meaning," he added.

In August, the Sunni Muslim militants blew up the temple of Baal Shamin, then the Temple of Bel, one of the best preserved Roman-era sites.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/islamic-state-arch-of-triumph-in-palmyra_5611ab65e4b0dd85030c69d9?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000592

[Fred Sanders]

1. If Russia wants to send half it's army into Syria to wipe these guys out, I concur. So it all also

helps Assad, small price to pay.

I am not with what Obama public ally says about Assad, who protects 1.8 million Christians in a military/secular state as is the case with Egypt.

Some nations need a strongman because there are areas of the world infested with crazymen.

[pipoman]

2. a pic is necessary

[Rex]

3. .

[smirkymonkey]

4. I so hate those guys.

They are about nothing but death, destruction and terror.