UN Security Council's 'Deep Concern' Over Civilian Situation in Palmyra

On June 1, the United Nations Security Council expressed 'deep concern' regarding the situation of thousands of Syrian civilians trapped in Palmyra, a city captured by the group known as the 'Islamic State.' All 15 members of the council called for the establishment of a safe exit for these citizens and simultaneously voiced their 'serious concern' about the protection of Palmyra's archaeological sites. Palmyra has been one of the most important ancient regions in the Middle East, serving as a crossroads that connected local people, Iranians, Romans, and Greeks, and their cultures over two thousand years ago. The remnants of this ancient area are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extremist group known as the 'Islamic State' claimed to have taken control of the city, releasing images on social media, including from a hospital, an airbase, and a prison. Reports emerged on Thursday of many civilians being trapped in the city following its fall. However, Syrian state television reported that armed forces loyal to the central government had left Palmyra after evacuating most civilians. Reuters stated that this is the first time the 'Islamic State' has directly taken control of a city from Syrian government forces. According to the agency, forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad have lost control of areas in the northwest and south of the country in recent weeks, with other opposition groups in Damascus gaining dominance over them. The UN Security Council specifically expressed concern about the situation of women and children in Palmyra, noting that extremist militants have a history of 'abduction, rape or harassment, forced marriages of women, and the use of children in warfare.' This group has also destroyed archaeological sites in other areas it has captured, including the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and the artifacts of the Mosul Museum in Iraq. In this context, the ancient city of Palmyra is under attack by the 'Islamic State,' which has taken control of the city. The Islamic State has captured 'half of Syrian territory,' and nearly 300 people have been killed in the battle for Palmyra.