ISIS captures ancient Syrian city of Palmyra
The Islamic State on Wednesday seized control of the historic Syrian city of Palmyra after a weeklong siege, giving them control of a strategically advantageous city and endangering Palmyra's ancient ruins. ISIS has plundered or destroyed antiques after occupying other ancient sites in Syria and Iraq, and observers fear the same fate now awaits Palmyra's 2,000-year-old artifacts.
The fall of Palmyra marks the second time in a week ISIS has overrun a major city in the region. The militant group on Sunday forced Iraqi troops out of Ramadi, a development the White House cast as a mere "setback."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
