Temple of Baal in Palmyra Is Damaged by ISIS

Islamic State militants in Syria have damaged the Temple of Baal, one of the most important structures in the ancient city of Palmyra, their second attack on the world-renowned ruins in a week, according to local activists and residents.

 

A loud explosion heard across Palmyra on Sunday damaged the best-preserved structure of the temple, a mostly standing stone building that included the altar, according to Khaled al-Homsi, an activist who recently fled to Turkey.

 

Mr. Homsi, a Palmyra native, remains in close contact with residents there and uses a nom de guerre for safety. He opposes both the Syrian government and the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, and he has long worked to document damage to Palmyra’s sprawling archaeological site by all sides in the complex conflict.

 

Read More: Temple of Baal in Palmyra Is Damaged by ISIS – The New York Times