The body of the leading archaeologist at the classical ruins of Palmyra, who was beheaded by Islamic State in 2015, is believed to have been found.
Khaled al-Asaad, 83, was killed after refusing to reveal the location of hidden treasures from the Unesco world heritage site. He had decided to remain in Palmyra, where he had been head of antiquities until his retirement in 2003, as Isis swept in. I will stay here even if they kill me, he said.
Syrian state media said three bodies had been found in the desert six miles east of Palmyra. DNA tests are under way to confirm their identities.
Asaad had worked with archaeologists around the world to excavate the site, which was at its apogee in