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Paris, SANA-The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on Wednesday that the ancient city of Palmyra preserves had suffered significant damage at the hands of ISIS terrorists, but  the archaeological sites retain much of their authenticity.

UNESCO said in a statement that despite the destruction of several iconic edifices, the archaeological sites of Palmyra retain large parts of their integrity and authenticity.

“Most of the statues and sarcophagi that were too large to be removed for safekeeping were defaced, smashed, their heads severed and their fragments left lying on the ground,” UNESCO added.

UNESCO said it will work with its partners to adopt emergency safeguarding measures.

A team of UNESCO experts, including Director of Heritage Division and the World Heritage Center Mechtild Roessler, conducted their assessment mission on April 24-26 escorted by UN security forces. They inspected Palmyra’s museum and archaeological site.

On April 26th, Culture Minister Issam Khalil said assessing the damage caused at the archeological site of Palmyra is being worked on with the UNESCO to prepare for setting up an integrated work plan for restoration.

Manar/Mazen