Damascus: Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has blown up Palmyra’s ancient temple of Baalshamin that was primarily a Roman era artifact, built 2,000 years ago. While Syria’s head of antiquities said that the temple was blown up on Sunday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that it happened one month ago. ISIS took control of Palmyra in May, sparking fears the group might demolish the Unesco World Heritage site.

A file picture taken on March 14, 2014 shows the courtyard of the sanctury of Baal Shamin in Palmyra.  After the attacks that took place on Sunday, the temple’s inner area was reportedly destroyed and the columns had collapsed.  Pic/AFP