IS destroys ancient Syrian temple

Satellite images show the main building of the ancient Temple of Bel in the Syrian city of Palmyra has been destroyed, according to the United Nations.

An image taken a day after a massive explosion was set off near the 2,000-year-old temple in the city occupied by Islamic State militants “unfortunately shows the destruction of the temple’s main building as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity,” according to Einar Bjorgo, manager of Geneva-based UN satellite analysts UNOSAT

Officials loyal to Syrian president Bashar al-Asaad had previously said there was conflicting information about the temple, one of the most prominent structures in a sprawling Roman-era complex, because eyewitnesses were unable to approach the site.

UNOSAT based its findings after comparing the image with one taken on 27 August which showed the main building and columns still intact

Mr Bjorgo said the images were important so the UN cultural agency UNESCO could have “objective information”” about the situation in Palmyra, which UNESCO has designated a world heritage site.

IS, which captured Palmyra from forces loyal to Mr Assad in May, destroyed the smaller Temple of Baalshamin in the complex last week and posted images of the destruction days later. UNESCO condemned the act as a war crime.