ISIS Threat Returns: Syria Holds Emergency Security Meeting After Palmyra Attack

Syria's Interior Minister has called for maximum security readiness after a terrorist attack in the historic city of Palmyra. Minister Anas Khattab held an emergency meeting with senior security officials on December 16. The group assessed the threat from ISIS, also known as the Islamic State militant group. The meeting included Brigadier General Sofian Mohammed al-Sheikh Saleh. He is the head of security for Syria's vast desert region, where Palmyra is located. Officials focused on evaluating the current dangers. They also discussed plans to strengthen defenses in the area. Palmyra is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been captured and recaptured multiple times during Syria's long conflict. ISIS destroyed several ancient monuments there when it controlled the city.