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IS forces capture, kill dozens in Syria’s Palmyra

This picture released on Thursday, May 21, 2015 by the website of Islamic State militants, shows damaged Syrian military helicopters at Palmyra air base that was captured by the Islamic State militants after a battle with the Syrian government forces in Palmyra, Syria. Activist and officials say members of the Islamic State group are conducting search operations in the ancient town of Palmyra where they have detained and killed dozens of people. (The website of Islamic State militants via AP) This picture released on Thursday, May 21, 2015 by the website of Islamic State militants, shows damaged Syrian military helicopters at Palmyra air base that was captured by the Islamic State militants after a battle with the Syrian government forces in Palmyra, Syria. Activist and officials say members of the Islamic State group are conducting search operations in the ancient town of Palmyra where they have detained and killed dozens of people. (The website of Islamic State militants via AP)

By Associated Press May 22, 2015 1 min read

BEIRUT (AP) – Activists and officials say Islamic State fighters are combing Palmyra, detaining and killing dozens of people two days after seizing the historic Syrian town.

Homs-based activist Bebars al-Talawy and an opposition Facebook page say that as many as 280 soldiers and pro-government forces have been killed in Palmyra since it was captured Wednesday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says IS fighters have killed 17 men and that it has unconfirmed reports of the killing of “tens” more.

Gov. Talal Barazi of the central province of Homs, which includes Palmyra, said Friday that IS fighters have abducted men and “might have committed massacres.”

The IS group has massacred hundreds of Syrian and Iraqi soldiers following past conquests, often boasting about the killings online.