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UN says Syrian forces trapped civilians in Palmyra before fierce IS assault

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ANI London

Citing "credible sources," the United Nations has accused Syrian forces in Palmyra of preventing civilians from leaving, before Islamic State (IS) militants took control over the city.

It said that it was "deeply concerned" about the plight of civilians caught in Palmyra, amid reports of summary executions, reported the BBC.

The terror group has also overrun the UNESCO World Heritage site in Palmyra, raising concerns about its fate. IS has previously ravaged ancient sites in Iraq that pre-date Islam.

Palmyra's fall came just days after the terror group took over Iraq's Ramadi in a lightening advance.

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First Published: May 22 2015 | 10:02 AM IST

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