The United Nations used satellite images on Monday to confirm the destruction of an ancient temple in Syria’s Palmyra.
Witnesses had previously said that the 2,000-year-old Bel Temple was severely damaged in a massive explosion on Sunday. The Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS) has released numerous propaganda images showing militants blowing up ancient ruins in the historic city, which is under the group’s control.
“We can confirm destruction of the main building of the Temple of Bel as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity,” the UN said, according to AFP.
The agency also released a photo showing the temple’s destruction.
See ISIS’s Destruction of the Ancient City Palmyra
This undated photo released on Aug. 25, 2015 on a social media site used by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants shows smoke from the detonation of the 2,000-year-old temple of Baalshamin in the ancient caravan city of Palmyra, Syria.
AP
This undated photo released on Aug. 25, 2015 on a social media site used by ISIS militants shows militants laying explosives in the 2,000-year-old temple of Baalshamin in Palmyra, Syria.
AP
This undated photo released on Aug. 25, 2015 on a social media site used by ISIS militants, shows the 2,000-year-old temple of Baalshamin in Palmyra, Syria, rigged with explosives.
AP
This undated photo released on Aug. 25, 2015 on a social media site used by ISIS militants shows the demolished 2,000-year-old temple of Baalshamin in Palmyra, Syria.
AP
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Cybersecurity Experts Are Sounding the Alarm on DOGE
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Michelle Zauner Stares Down the Darkness
