Throughout the summer of 2015 there was a pronounced increase in the frequency of reported heritage damage, coinciding with multiple episodes of damage in Syria and Iraq occurring within the current two-week reporting period. The magnitude of destruction also increased with several cultural sites completely destroyed. In both Syria and northern Iraq, these increases are linked to ISIL deliberate destructions of heritage places and incidents of vandalism. Within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palmyra, ISIL destroyed the Greco-Roman era Baalshamin Temple (August 23) and the Temple of Bel (August 30). In nearby al-Qariatayn, ISIL destroyed the 5th Century CE monastery of Mar Elian (St . Julian) and abducted 230 Christian residents (August 21). Numerous reports off ISIL destructions of modern cemeteries in Syria also emerged. This follows on the heels of multiple ISIL human atrocities in the Tadmor area, such as the mass execution of prisoners inPalmyra’s Roman theatre and the murder of archaeologist Khaled al-Assaad. In-country sources stated that ISIL plans to destroy ‘many more sites’ at Palmyra and that ISIL has already positionedexplosives there. In-country sources assert that ISIL militants are attacking cultural heritage less for ideological reasons and more to gain media coverage. These sources claim to have overheard ISILcommanders comment that attacking the ancient monuments ‘makes the whole world’ talk aboutthem.

Reported combat damage in Syria remained at elevated levels in Daraa and Hama Governorates.Overall, ISIL’s regional campaign of cultural cleansing and the steady destruction of cultural assets through combat damage, looting, vandalism, and neglect continue unabated.