United Nations confirmed destruction of the Temple of Bel in Syria

The appropriate shots are presented by United Nations Institute for Training and Research, as The Washington Post reports.

«We can confirm destruction of the main building of the Temple of Bel as well as a row of columns in its immediate vicinity», as it is stated in the message intended for mass media and spread by UNITAR.

The demolitions are distinctively visible comparing the shots before and after explosion. The picture traced back to the 27-th of August captures the view of undamaged building. The shot made on the 31-st of August shows that there are only several columns remaining after the construction. It had been earlier reported that after the attempt to explode the temple was able to remain intact. The message about the destruction of the Temple of Bel was broadcasted on the 31-st of August.

The Temple of Bel dedicated to the highest deity of Palmira had been built in the first century AD representing one of the main landmarks of the city. The temple is a peculiar hybrid of East and Antique architectural traditions; the designing is implemented in the style of buildings of Middle East, and frontages are made after a fashion of Greek and Roman temples. Before the beginning of Civil War in Syria more than 150 thousand tourists used to visit it annually.