Satellite imagery released today of the Syrian city of Palmyra confirms the destruction of the ancient Temple of Bel by Islamic State fighters, said the UN.
"We can confirm the destruction of the main building of the Temple of Bel as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity," UNESCO said in an email, reported Reuters.
See images and video footage here.
At the weekend locals had reported a large explosion near the temple site, however such reports had been initially contested by Syria's head of antiquities who had suggested that the Temple of the Bel remained intact.
Last week, the destruction of the 2000 year old Baalshamin temple by IS had been described by UNESCO as a "war crime".
"The systematic destruction of cultural symbols embodying Syrian cultural diversity reveals the true intent of such attacks, which is to deprive the Syrian people of its knowledge, its identity and history," Unesco Director-General, Irina Bokova said last week, adding it was "an immense loss for the Syrian people and for humanity".
Ms Bokova called on those responsible "must be accountable for their actions".
"We can confirm the destruction of the main building of the Temple of Bel as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity," UNESCO said in an email, reported Reuters.
See images and video footage here.
At the weekend locals had reported a large explosion near the temple site, however such reports had been initially contested by Syria's head of antiquities who had suggested that the Temple of the Bel remained intact.
Last week, the destruction of the 2000 year old Baalshamin temple by IS had been described by UNESCO as a "war crime".
"The systematic destruction of cultural symbols embodying Syrian cultural diversity reveals the true intent of such attacks, which is to deprive the Syrian people of its knowledge, its identity and history," Unesco Director-General, Irina Bokova said last week, adding it was "an immense loss for the Syrian people and for humanity".
Ms Bokova called on those responsible "must be accountable for their actions".