Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities condemned on Wednesday the brutal killing of revered Syrian archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad by Daesh terrorists.

In a statement, Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh el Damati mourned the death of the 82-year-old al-Asaad who served as the director of the Palmyra museum.

The Syrian archaeologist was beheaded in a local square before his body was placed on display in public after he refused to give up the secrets of the city's ancient treasures.

He took part in uncovering many archaeological sites and wrote about 20 books on Palmyra ancient treasures.