ISIL destroy ancient temple at Palmyra

Islamist militants known as ISIL have reportedly blown up an ancient temple at the ruins of Palmyra in Syria which is one of the Middle East’s most significant archaeological sites .

The Baalshamin Temple was the most intact structure in the 2,000 year-old Roman-era city.

ISIL took control of Palmyra in May which lies in a strategically important area between Damascus and the city of Deir al-Zour.

Last month the group published photos of its members destroying what it said were ancient artefacts. from the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Head of UNESCO Irina Bokova warned on Friday that Islamic state extremists in Syria and Iraq were involved in “the most brutal, systematic” destruction of ancient sites since World War II.

A week ago, it emerged that they had beheaded the 81-year-old archaeologist, Khaled Asaad who had looked after Palmyra’s ruins for over four decades.