Islamic State (ISIS) militants have destroyed the ancient Syrian site of Palmyra, activists and witnesses considered it the most important part of the temple.
The extent of the damage to the 2,000-year-old temple of Bel is not clear but local residents have described being shaken by a large explosion.
The reports came a week after ‘ISIS’ blew up another temple at the ancient city.
They had seized control of Palmyra in May, sparking fears for the site.
Dedicated to the Palmyrene gods, the temple was one of the best preserved parts of the site.
The modern city of Palmyra, known locally as Tadmur, is situated in a strategically important area on the road between the Syrian capital, Damascus, and the eastern city of Deir al-Zour.
ISIS has used Palmyra’s theatre to stage the public execution by children of more than 20 captured Syrian army soldiers.
The group has ransacked and demolished several similar sites in the parts of neighbouring Iraq which they overran last year, destroying priceless ancient artefacts.
