U.N. Concerned for Civilians in IS-Controlled Palmyra

The U.N. Security Council on Friday expressed deep concern for thousands of civilians trapped in the Syrian city of Palmyra after it was captured by Islamic State fighters.

The 15-member council called for safe passage for fleeing civilians and stated their "grave concern" for the protection of the ancient city, a World Heritage site.

IS proclaimed Palmyra's capture online and posted video and several pictures, including of a hospital, a prison and a military airbase.

The council in particular expressed concern for women and children, noting that IS fighters had established a "pattern of abducting, exploiting, and abusing women and children elsewhere including rape, sexual abuse, forced marriage and forced child recruitment."

Known in Syria as "the pearl of the desert", Palmyra is home to colonnaded alleys, elaborately decorated tombs and ancient Greco-Roman ruins.

IS sparked international outrage this year when it blew up the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud and smashed artefacts in the Mosul museum, both in Iraq.