SNA factions loot archaeological sites in Syria’s Sere Kaniye
HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – Two opposition factions of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) commenced archaeological excavations on Monday in two neighborhoods in the city center of Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) and in an area in its southern countryside, northeastern Syria.
Since the occupation of the cities of Sere Kaniye and Tel Abyad and their surroundings in October 2019 by Turkish forces, along with their affiliated SNA factions, many reports have shed light on the alarming incidents of looting and theft targeting the region’s archaeological sites, conducted through unauthorized digging and excavation operations.
A commander from a group in the SNA’s Sultan Suleiman Shah Division (al-Amshat) told North Press that their group has been assigned the task of protecting the excavation area.
He added that they received orders from their leadership in Sere Kaniye to mobilize towards the ancient site of Tel Fekheriye, located south of the city, in order to provide security for the ongoing excavation conducted by a specialized team.
He further stated that the excavation and guarding operations conducted by al-Amshat faction, led by Muhammad Hussein al-Jassem, aka Abu Amsha, are being carried out in cooperation with the SNA’s Hamza Division, led by Saif Abu Bakr. They use primitive digging tools and small bulldozers.
The source also pointed out that the members of Hamza Division are preventing any civilian or military personnel from approaching the site.
He also pointed out that further excavation operations are taking place at two houses owned by displaced Kurdish families. The tenants were evicted to make way for the excavation carried out by specialized teams.