DHAKA: IS fighters have executed at least 400 people in Palmyra since capturing the ancient Syrian city four days ago, Syrian state media said on Sunday.

It was not immediately possible to verify the account, but it was consistent with reports by activists that the Islamist fighters had carried out executions since capturing the city from government troops, reports the Times of India.

The militants seized the city of 50,000 people, site of some of the world’ most extensive and best preserved ancient Roman ruins, on Wednesday, days after also capturing the city of Ramadi in neighboring Iraq.

The two near simultaneous victories were their biggest successes since a US-led coalition began an air war against ISIS last year, and have forced an examination of whether the strategy is working.

ISIS militants on Saturday also executed 16 Iraqi traders taking food from the city of Baiji, 200km north of Baghdad, to the government-controlled western city of Haditha, officials said.

BDST: 0932 HRS, MAY 25, 2015
BD