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A sculpture found in the ancient Syrian oasis city of Palmyra, 215 kilometres northeast of Damascus, displayed at the city's museum. Image Credit: AFP

Moscow - The Russian Defense Ministry says that scientists in Damascus have begun reconstructing ancient sculptures from the city of Palmyra that were damaged by Daesh during Syria's civil war.

The ministry said in a statement on Monday - citing reports by the state news agency RIA-Novosti - that a group of eight experts has started work on the statues and sculptures rescued from Palmyra.

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The ancient city is home to one of the Middle East's most spectacular archaeological sites. Many of them were badly damaged by Daesh in 2015. Palmyra is a world heritage site protected by the United Nation's cultural agency.

RIA-Novosti cited Syrian officials as saying that they are getting help from Russia's Pushkin museum in Moscow.

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The damaged Lion of Al Lat statue at the entrance of the museum of the historic city of Palmyra. Image Credit: REUTERS
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The grand Roman amphitheater, where Daesh group staged a mass execution, in Palmyra Image Credit: Bryan Denton/New York Times
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A member of the Syrian army patroling the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra on May 6 Image Credit: AFP
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A photo shows the famous Roman Theater at the ancient city of Palmyra , Syria Image Credit: AP
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