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Monitor: IS 'In Control' Of Syria's Palmyra

Updated
A year ago, all was quiet at Palmyra. This picture, from March 14, 2014, shows locals with bicycles at the ancient oasis city.
1/9 A year ago, all was quiet at Palmyra. This picture, from March 14, 2014, shows locals with bicycles at the ancient oasis city.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
The remains of the Roman theatre date back to the 2nd century. Until recently, it was host to the annual Palmyra Festival.
2/9 The remains of the Roman theatre date back to the 2nd century. Until recently, it was host to the annual Palmyra Festival.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
Lebanese singer Najwa Karam performs at the opening ceremony of the Palmyra Festival in 2010.
3/9 Lebanese singer Najwa Karam performs at the opening ceremony of the Palmyra Festival in 2010.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
More Roman ruins. Palmyra became increasingly prosperous after the Romans took control at the beginning of the 1st century.
4/9 More Roman ruins. Palmyra became increasingly prosperous after the Romans took control at the beginning of the 1st century.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
March 2014 - A Syrian policeman stands on the sanctury of Baal, one of three pagan gods worshipped in Palmyra in the 1st century.
5/9 March 2014 - A Syrian policeman stands on the sanctury of Baal, one of three pagan gods worshipped in Palmyra in the 1st century.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
Palmyra is believed to have been founded by King Solomon.
6/9 Palmyra is believed to have been founded by King Solomon.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
A 2nd century limestone relief excavated in 2008 from a cemetery in Palmyra. Shapes of 13 men and women, all from the same family, are engraved on it.
7/9 A 2nd century limestone relief excavated in 2008 from a cemetery in Palmyra. Shapes of 13 men and women, all from the same family, are engraved on it.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
From the same dig - the scene depicts two Palmyrian merchants and a child standing next to a camel.
8/9 From the same dig - the scene depicts two Palmyrian merchants and a child standing next to a camel.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
The sun sets behind ruined columns at Palmyra, November 2010.
9/9 The sun sets behind ruined columns at Palmyra, November 2010.
Syrian authorities say Islamic State militants have advanced to within 2 kilometers of Palmyra, an ancient city with outstanding architectural heritage dating from the first century. The militants have caused significant damage to similar sites they have overrun in Iraq, posting videos of themselves destroying antiquities. UNESCO includes Palmyra on its list of World Heritage sites, describing it as one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world -- a crossroads for local, Persian, Greek and Roman influences.
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Syrian activists say Islamic State fighters (IS) now control almost all of the city of Palmyra, whose ancient ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after government forces abandoned the city.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on May 20 the group had seized almost all of the modern part of the city.

State television said on May 20 that Syrian pro-government fighters withdrew from Palmyra after militants entered its neighborhoods in large numbers.

It said most of the city's civilian population had been evacuated before the withdrawal.

Palmyra, most of which dates back to the first or second century when the region was under Roman rule, lies next to a strategic east-west route.

Syria’s antiquities chief, Maamoun Abdulkarim, told the Reuters news agency that hundreds of statues had been moved from the historic city, but large monuments could not be moved.

Irina Bokova, the head of UNESCO, said she was "deeply concerned" about fighting in Palmyra and called for an "immediate" end to hostilities.

The IS militants, who overran large parts of Syria and Iraq in June 2014, have destroyed several ancient sites in Iraqi territory.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
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