Syrian activists: IS group destroys ancient Palmyra arch

Beirut: Syrian activists say Islamic State militants have destroyed a nearly 2,000-year-old arch in the ancient city of Palmyra, the latest victim in the group's campaign to destroy historic sites across the territory it controls in Iraq and Syria.

The Arch of Triumph was one of the most recognisable sites in Palmyra, which the IS group seized in May. The monumental arch sat atop the famed colonnaded streets of the ancient city, which linked the Roman Empire to Persia.

An opposition activist who uses the name Khaled al-Homsi posted on Twitter late yesterday that the militants destroyed the arch.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the group blew up the arch but left the colonnades in place.

Militants also recently blew up two famed First Century temples in Palmyra.