Palmyra arch 'destroyed' by ISIL

Islamic militants have reportedly destroyed the Arch of Triumph which is a major monument in the 2,000-year-old Roman city of Palmyra.

Since capturing the enclave in late May, ISIL members have blown up two ancient temples at the site in central Syria which is considered by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site.

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

Earlier this month it was also confirmed ISIL had destroyed some of the best preserved of Palmyra’s funeral towers, sandstone constructions built to hold the remains of the ancient city’s richest families.

Palmyra was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world, according to UNESCO, which has described it as the crossroads of several civilisations.