Damascus, SANA – Culture Minister Mohammad al-Ahmad affirmed the importance of the liberation of Palmyra from ISIS terrorists, noting that the liberaiton of the archeological city was carried out with high professionalism which led to avoiding more damage to it.

In a statement issued on Saturday, al-Ahmad said the terrorists’ attempt to occupy Palmyra was a desperate bid to erase the memory, heritage, and civilization of the Syrian people, asserting that the city’s liberation was a severe blow to the terror organization.

The Minister called on specialists at the Directorate-General of Archeology and Museums (DGAM) to evaluate the damage done to the archeological sites in the city and prepare a plan for the rehabilitation of the damaged sites in cooperation with local sides and international organizations, especially the UNESCO.

He also called on workers in the archeology sector and other Culture Ministry establishments to provide all necessary resources to help restore luster to this city.

The General Command of the Army and Armed Forces announced on Thursday that control over Palmyra and surrounding vantage points has been established, reclaiming them from ISIS.

Hazem Sabbagh