ISIL militants have seized almost all of the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.<br /><br /> It follows fierce fighting with government forces. <br /><br /> The apparent capture is the first time the self-proclaimed Islamic State has taken control of a city directly from the Syrian army and allied forces.<br /><br /> Residents had been evacuated, Syrian state television reported, after large groups of ISIL militants entered Palmyra from the north. <br /><br /> “It is an international battle. If ISIL succeeds, it will not only be a victory over Syria’s people, but also one against America, China, France, Britain and Russia – and all permanent members in the Security Council,” said Maamoun Abdullkarim, Syrian Antiquities and Museums chief. <br /><br /> Palymra is home to two-thousand-year-old monuments, which were put on UNESCO’s World Heritage in danger list two years ago. The fear is that ISIL militants will move in and demolish them.<br /><br /> Fighters have already destroyed an
