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Isis left 150 mines dotted around the ancient site of Palymra Isis leaves 150 mines scattered around the ancient site of Palmyra
(about 2 hours later)
De-mining experts have removed 150 bombs left behind by Isis inside the archaeological site of Palymra, a Syrian antiquities official says. Isis jihadists left at least 150 mines scattered around the ruins of Palmyra after being driven out of the ancient city by Syrian troops.
The bombs were found following the Syrian army recapturing the ancient site on Sunday. A military official said that the bombs had been placed in both the residential area and the historic quarter, where many of the city's most famous relics are contained.
Maamoun Abdul-Karim, the head of Syria’s antiquities and museums said a technical team working with the ministry has returned to Damascus after two days of work in Palmyra. The bombs were found after the Syrian army recapturing the ancient site on Sunday following three weeks of intense fighting against Isis, which had taken control of the area in May 2015.
Syrian troops battled through three weeks of intense fighting to regain the 2,000 year old site after Isis’ ten month control. Maamoun Abdul-Karim, the head of Syria’s antiquities and museums said a technical team working with the ministry had returned to Damascus after the mines had been removed.
Mr Abdul-Karim said the team photographed inside the museum where many statues were damaged by Isis during their control period. Mr Abdul-Karim said the team were unable to reach some sites, including the burial places, because there are “hundreds of mines” left.
The team were unable to reach some sites, including the burial places, because there are “hundreds of mines” left.
Syrian state media reported war planes struck several Isis vehicle and targets east of Palmyra.
Isis is responsible for damaging or destroying all six of Syria’s Unesco World Heritage sites, which Palymra is one of.Isis is responsible for damaging or destroying all six of Syria’s Unesco World Heritage sites, which Palymra is one of.
Other sites include the pilgrimage site of Bosra, Crac des Chevaliers – one of the most important and well preserved medieval castles – and Qal’at Salah El-Din.Other sites include the pilgrimage site of Bosra, Crac des Chevaliers – one of the most important and well preserved medieval castles – and Qal’at Salah El-Din.
Aleppo and Damascus are also Unesco sites and have suffered after fighting, along with the ancient villages of Northern Syria. Aleppo and Damascus are also Unesco sites and have suffered after fighting, along with the ancient villages of Northern Syria. 
Additional reporting by PAAdditional reporting by PA