Syrian Armenian: Islamists decided to spread their religion by the sword (video)
Syrian Armenian Khachik Julikyan talks to his relatives on the phone every day and asks the about the situation in the country. But even people in Syria cannot understand the events that are happening in Palmyra these days. Islamic State seized ancient Palmyra city from Syrian forces a few days ago. The entire city with its unique cultural heritage is endangered at present. Islamic State insurgents stormed the historic Syrian city of Palmyra last week, fighting off pro-government forces who withdrew after evacuating most of the civilian population. The central city, also known as Tadmur, is built alongside the remains of oasis civilization whose colonnaded streets, temple and theatre have stood for 2,000 years. Islamic State has destroyed antiquities and ancient monuments in neighbouring Iraq and is being targeted by U.S.-led air strikes in both countries. The capture of Palmyra is the first time the al Qaeda offshoot has taken control of a city directly from the Syrian army and allied forces, which have already lost ground in the northwest and south to other insurgent groups in recent weeks.
