Alarm over potential fate of Palmyra ruins

There are fears that Islamic State militants will destroy the Palmyra ruins in Syria, which UNESCO has designated a World Heritage site.

An overview of the Palmyrah heritage site - Sacha Payne Source: Sacha Payne

Islamic State militants have taken near complete control of the Syrian city of Palmyra, home to some of the world's most magnificent ancient ruins.

There are fears that the militants will destroy the ruins, which UNESCO has designated a World Heritage site.

Stephen Bourke is an archaeology researcher at the University of Sydney

He spoke with Darren Mara about just what is at stake if the ancient ruins are destroyed.

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