The UN Security Council has expressed deep concern for thousands of civilians trapped in the Syrian city of Palmyra after it was captured by Islamic State fighters.
The 15-member council yesterday called for safe passage for fleeing civilians and stated their "grave concern" for the protection of the ancient city, a World Heritage site.
IS proclaimed Palmyra's capture online and posted video and several pictures, including of a hospital, a prison and a military airbase.
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Known in Syria as "the pearl of the desert", Palmyra is home to colonnaded alleys, elaborately decorated tombs and ancient Greco-Roman ruins.
IS sparked international outrage this year when it blew up the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and smashed artefacts in the Mosul museum, both in Iraq.