Turkish destruction of historical sites in Afrin must be punished

70 historical sites have been destroyed since the invasion of Afrin.

Co-chair of the Afrin Museum Directorate, Hemid Nasir, called on UNESCO and international institutions to investigate the increase of the attacks carried out by the Turkish state on historical sites.

Afrin historical monuments and artefacts have been stolen by mercenaries and brought to Turkey, Nasir told ANHA, adding: "We have new images from the Neb Hori site. In the images we can see historical places being excavated. According to international law, this is prohibited. Endara mound in the province of Shêrawa was also excavated and destroyed. The mound was first bombed by airplanes. Then they tried to dig it. Now it is used as a military base.”

The directorate said it has the photos and video recordings of the 20 historical buildings destroyed. “We call on UNESCO and the countries that signed the 1954 Hague agreement to establish an investigation commission on the crimes committed by the Turkish state. This month, Nebi Hori, Ziravkê mound and Birc Abdola mound in the province of Shera were destroyed. 70 historical sites have been destroyed since the invasion of Afrin. We expect the authorities to play their role and act quickly.”