The self-proclaimed Islamic State has reportedly seized the last Syrian government-controlled border crossing between Syria and Iraq. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Syrian troops have withdrawn from al-Tanf. ISIL’s latest advance follows its capture of the Iraqi city of Ramadi and the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova appealed for a ceasefire in Palmyra to preserve some of the world’s most renowned historic structures.

Irina Bokova: “I appeal to all parties involved in the conflict for an immediate ceasefire in and around Palmyra. It is an extremely important World Heritage Site, which belongs to the whole of humanity, and we have the responsibility to protect and preserve it. I can’t imagine that the world will never see Palmyra anymore. And also, Palmyra is very closely linked to the people living around it. The city of [Tadmur], which is in this oasis close to the palm growth which are there, we want to protect also the civilians equally as we protect the heritage.”

The United Nations meanwhile said it’s received reports of Syrian government forces preventing residents from leaving Palmyra, where ISIL forces have been executing residents.