WEEKLY REPORT 59-60
September 16–29, 2015
U. S. Dept. Cooperation Agreement Number: NEA-PSHSS-14-001
BY Michael D. Danti, Allison Cuneo, Susan Penacho, Marina Gabriel, Kyra Kaercher, Katherine Burge, LeeAnn Barnes Gordon, Emily Ham, and John O’Neill
DOWNLOAD: REPORT
* This report is based on research conducted by the “Safeguarding the Heritage of the Near East Initiative,” funded by the US Department of State. Monthly reports reflect reporting from a variety of sources and may contain unverified material. As such, they should be treated as preliminary and subject to change.
Executive Summary
During the reporting period, the escalation of Russian intervention in Syria has increased uncertainty and the potential for combat damage to cultural heritage across a large area. Incidents of cultural heritage damage due to combat occurred in the area of Bosra and Tadmor — in both instances SARG airstrikes and the occupation of heritage sites by military forces were the root causes. In Palmyra, ASOR CHI analyses of high-resolution satellite imagery revealed the ISIL intentional destruction of six tower tombs and damage to a seventh. ISIL forces currently occupy the UNESCO World Heritage Site for military positions, originally constructed on-site during the SARG military occupation of the area, and as a means to shield fighters from airstrikes. In Iraq, communications with in-country sources have continued to be difficult, particularly in the area of Mosul. DigitalGlobe satellite imagery revealed multiple new constructions at the site of Nineveh built immediately outside the perimeter walls of the ancient city between March 7, 2015 and August 29, 2015. In-country sources indicate that this activity by ISIL and related clearance on cultural sites in Iraq is linked to ISIL involvement in securing and dealing in real estate.
Key points from this report:
- A barrel bomb was detonated at the citadel of Bosra (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0133).
- Airstrikes against ISIL military targets in the Tadmor area damaged the Citadel of Palmyra (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0134).
- Satellite imagery shows ongoing looting at the site of Tell Bi’aa (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0131), damage around the city of Raqqa (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0132), and development within the walls of Nineveh in Mosul (ASOR CHI Incident Report IHI 15-0095).
- The Ayyubid Citadel at the Anicet City of Bosra was damaged by a barrel bomb (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0133).
- SARG airstrikes may have damaged the Citadel of Palmyra (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 15-0134).