The so-called Islamic State says it has destroyed six archaeological pieces from the historic Syrian town of Palmyra after they were confiscated from a smuggler.

Islamic State militants have destroyed two historic mausoleums in Palmyra, Syria’s top antiquities official has said.

Islamic State (IS) militants have overrun the famed archaeological site at Palmyra, just hours after seizing the central Syrian town, raising concerns the extremists might destroy some of the priceless ruins as they have done in neighbouring Iraq.

Islamic State militants are in full control of the famed archaeological site in the ancient town of Palmyra in central Syria, according to activists.