​IS Group Seizes Part of Ancient C Town of Palmyra in Syria

Syrian activists say Islamic State militants have seized parts of the central town of Palmyra, two days after they were pushed back by government forces there.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says the militants seized control over one third of the town in heavy clashes on Wednesday.

Palmyra is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its 2,000-year-old majestic Roman colonnades.

A collective of media activists in Palmyra also said IS militants entered the town through the north after reportedly taking over the state security building in the area.

The majority of the city's ancient sites are located in the town's southwest.