The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is upping its destruction of historic monuments in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria.



The group this week destroyed monuments including part of a preserved Roman theatre and a tetrapylon, a series of pillars near the entrance to the city.



“This is a horror film and we will see more of it, as long as the city is under their control it will remain a hostage,” said Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syrian director of antiquities, according to the Guardian.



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Russian and Syrian forces have been unsuccessful in their attempts to hold the city after pushing ISIS militants out in March.

ISIS regained control of the region in December, while destroying numerous historical sites.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) called the latest destruction of artifacts a "blow against cultural heritage."



“This new blow against cultural heritage … shows that cultural cleansing led by violent extremists is seeking to destroy both human lives and historical monuments in order to deprive the Syrian people of its past and its future,” said UNESCO’s director-general, Irina Bokova.

“This is a scandal. Palmyra is occupied and there is no outrage from the international community. We are trying to protect a civilization. It’s beyond political considerations. There needs to be international solidarity,” Abdulkarim said.