IS releases video from ancient city of Palmyra

Damascus, May 27: The Islamic State terrorist group has issued its first video from the recently-seized ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria, amid fears the extremist group could demolish the world heritage site.

Released by the IS-linked Amaq News Agency, the 90 second-clip is filmed without sound or people and shows black smoke rising behind the 2,000 year-old ruins.

The UN describes Palmyra as a site of "outstanding value" and it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Middle East.

IS sparked international outrage last year when they destroyed ancient sites in Iraq that pre-date Islam, notably Hatra and Nimrud and smashed artefacts in the museum of Mosul.

IANS