Islamic State Destroys Part of Ancient Palmyra Amphitheater

The Islamic State group (ISIS) has destroyed part of the Roman amphitheater in the historic city of Palmyra, Syria. International media and the Syrian government have reported, based on satellite images, that ISIS has blown up the 16-column structure known as the 'Tetrapylon.' The Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Friday, January 21, that ISIS has demolished part of the exterior of the Palmyra amphitheater and adjacent historical remains. However, the extent of the damage to this significant part of the archaeological site in the Tadmor region is not yet known. The amphitheater dates back to two thousand years ago during Roman times. According to reports, ISIS fighters killed twelve people in this amphitheater a day prior. Eyewitnesses from the city of Tadmor have stated that ISIS filmed these executions and it seems likely that they will soon release the footage on their affiliated networks. According to The Guardian, Mamoun Abdulkarim, head of the Syrian government's cultural heritage organization, has seen the 'horrific' footage of the destruction of the archaeological sites in Tadmor. Abdulkarim expressed anger over what he called the 'silence of the international community' regarding the assault on this important site for humanity's heritage. Syrian cultural heritage officials have suggested that the destruction of the amphitheater's exterior may have occurred ten days prior. Custodians of Syria's archaeological sites are awaiting an assessment from experts at Boston University regarding the satellite images taken of the site. Archaeologists had previously managed to transfer four hundred important statues and pieces from Palmyra to Damascus for safekeeping before ISIS first took control of Palmyra. However, Abdulkarim told The Guardian that as long as ISIS attacks continue, 'the situation could get worse.' ISIS has destroyed other archaeological sites from various civilizations during its presence in parts of Syria and Iraq. ISIS's previous eleven-month presence in Palmyra ended in April 2016 due to military operations by the Syrian army and assistance from Russia. Shortly after retaking Palmyra, the Mariinsky Orchestra from St. Petersburg, Russia, performed a victory concert in this amphitheater. However, ISIS managed to regain control of Tadmor again after eight and a half months, starting in late November 2016. ISIS fighters are stationed near one of the Syrian army's important air bases in Homs province. The Syrian war is now entering its sixth year, with a ceasefire recently covering parts of the country. The ceasefire, achieved last month through mediation by Turkey and Russia, does not include operations against ISIS and the former al-Nusra Front (now known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham).