Damascus, Sep 3 (IANS): The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO) condemned the destruction of monuments and civilisational landmarks in Syria's Palmyra by the Islamic State (IS).

The ISESCO said in a statement that these criminal acts are targeting a precious part of the history of the human civilisation, adding that they have to be firmly countered by the international community, Xinhua news agency reported.

It stressed that the world is required to make more efforts to ensure protection for the remaining monuments and landmarks against such acts of vandalism.

The institution affirmed its continuous commitment to highlighting and presenting this treasure trove's universal value and contribute to global preservation efforts.

Since IS captured the ancient city of Palmyra in May, it has destroyed a number of prized ruins in the city. Recently, the militant group destroyed the two-millennia-old Temple of Bel, which is considered one of the ancient world's most iconic monuments temple in the ancient city of Palmyra on Sunday.

The ancient city of Palmyra, which is a Unesco site, was an important caravan city of the Roman Empire, linking it to India, China, and Persia.