Sources in Palmyra confirmed that the iconic Arch of Triumph, a centerpiece of the ancient ruins in the oasis city, had been blown up, Maamoun Abdulkarim told Reuters.
"It's as though there is a curse that has befallen this city and I expect only news that will shock us," said Abdulkarim. "If the city remains in their hands the city is doomed."Last month jihadists obliterated several ancient funeral towers at the UNESCO-protected site, while back in August the terrorists blew up two temples - the Temple of Baal Shamin and the Temple of Bel.
After seizing the ancient city of Palmyra in May 2015, Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) militants demolished several ancient temples and gravesites. The city's custodian, 82-year-old archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad, was tortured and beheaded by the group.
Comment: The is the mentality the US has armed and encouraged. (Remember, IS was largely formed from the death squads created by the U.S. in Iraq to counter the insurgency there.) Barbarians who have no respect for culture or history. But hey, it's not our history, so who cares?