ISIL Destruction of Ancient Temple in Palmyra a War Crime – UNESCO

The destruction of the ancient Temple of Bel in the Syrian city of Palmyra by the Islamic State (ISIL) jihadist group is a war crime and a serious loss for civilization, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova said Tuesday.

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) — The UN research institute UNOSAT confirmed via satellite images late on Monday that ISIL fighters had destroyed the ancient stone ruin over the weekend.

"The destruction of Palmyra constitutes an intolerable crime against civilization but 4,500 years of history will never be erased," Bokova said in a press release published on the UNESCO website.

She said that despite continuous attacks on the city's heritage, "it is essential to explain the history and significance of the temples of Palmyra."

"The power of culture is greater than that of all forms of extremism and nothing can stop it," Bokova affirmed.

In last week's statement following the destruction of the ancient Temple of Baalshamin, Bokova called on the international community to unite in the fight against the continuing cultural cleansing.

The UNESCO Director-General added that those responsible for the destruction of cultural monuments must be brought to justice.

The destruction of both temples follow the beheading of Khaled Asaad, a prominent Syrian archaeologist and keeper of Palmyra's ancient ruins, earlier in August.

Palmyra is included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site list.