Another famous temple of Bel in the Syria was destroyed by IS

Satellite images have confirmed another famous temple in the Syrian city of Palmyra has been destroyed, according to the United Nations.

The UN training and research agency (UNITAR) released images today showing before and after the explosion on 30 August at Palmyra’s ancient temple of Bel by Islamic State.

The image shows almost nothing remains according to UN satellite analysts Unosat.

Last week the IS also bombed the smaller temple of Baal Shamin in Palmyra.

“Unfortunately, the images we acquired do show that the main building of the temple has been destroyed,” the manager of Unosat, Einar Bjorgo said.

He added that a set of columns had also been destroyed.

The temple of Bel is dedicated to the Palmyrene gods and was one of the best-preserved parts of the ancient city.

The jihadists have carried out destruction against heritage sites in areas under their control in Syria and Iraq.

 

Before the Syrian conflict has occurred in 2011, more than 150,000 tourists visited Palmyra every year.