WEEKLY REPORT 111-112
September 16-30, 2016
U. S. Dept. Cooperation Agreement Number: NEA-PSHSS-14-001
BY Michael D. Danti, Allison Cuneo, Susan Penacho, Marina Gabriel, Kyra Kaercher, Jamie O’Connell
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
Towards the end of the reporting period, SARG and pro-regime forces launched a major offensive to reclaim opposition-held areas of Aleppo. The Syrian regime ended the fragile ceasefire on September 19. Russia declared its support for the new offensive in Aleppo, continuing airstrikes on the city and announcing their intentions to deliver additional warplanes to the country. Several sites in Aleppo were reportedly damaged as a result of the renewed clashes and aerial bombardment. Additional aerial bombardment over Idlib, Deir ez Zor, and Homs Governorates damaged five other heritage sites, including a 13th century castle. New footage of the long besieged suburb of Daraya was released, showing damage to three heritage sites, following the re-entry of Syrian government officials and Syrian and international media.
No incidents of heritage damage were investigated for Iraq during the reporting period. Pressure is mounting against ISIL in advance of the upcoming operation to liberate Mosul. Airstrikes against ISIL targets in Ninawa Governorate continued and resistance movements within Mosul are gaining strength. In retaliation, ISIL executed prisoners and carried out car bombings and other suicide bombings.
Key points from this report:
- New video footage shows the extent of the damage to a mosque in Ter Maalah, Homs Governorate (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0057 UPDATE).
- Reported SARG airstrikes damaged Qalaat Rahbah and a mosque in Mayadin, Deir ez Zor Governorate (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0149).
- Reported SARG barrel bombs and opposition shelling damaged sites in Aleppo (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0150).
- An alleged SARG airstrike damaged a mosque in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib Governorate (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0151).
- An alleged SARG airstrike damaged a mosque in Tal Hassan, Aleppo Governorate (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0152).
- New video footage shows damage to two churches and a mosque in Daraya, Rif Dimashq Governorate (ASOR CHI Incident Report SHI 16-0153).