PALMYRA WATCH: IS takes over Palmyra museum, raises flag over citadel. Though most artifacts were removed some time ago, concerns mount over fate of ancient ruins (AP). The news as of yesterday evening, coming from the Syrian Director of Antiquities, is that some modern statues in the museum were destroyed, but the few, large antiquities remaining inside have not been damaged, nor have the ruins of the ancient city. This is good news as far as it goes, although in the horrific context of the rounding up and public execution of Assad loyalists in the city.
Background here and links.
