ISIS destroys archeological statues and artifacts in Dura-Europos site in Deir Ezzor

ISIS terrorist organization committed a new crime against Syrian civilization and human heritage by destroying a number of archeological statues and artifacts in Deir Ezzor countryside.

The terror organization published a video showing its member using sledgehammers to destroy archeological statues and artifacts found in the Dura-Europos site west of al-Bukamal city in the countryside of Deir Ezzor province.

Dura-Europos, also known as al-Salhiye, was established in the 8th century BC, and became a vital economic center due to it overlooking fertile Mesopotamian lands and due to its position on the Silk Road, and the consecutive ancient civilizations that existed in shaped it into an important city containing temples, buildings, and houses spread across 150 hectares.

Since ISIS seized control of the site, Dura-Europos has been subjected to organized theft and looting that destroyed its landmarks, as ISIS and other terror organizations either trade in archeological artifacts to procure funds or destroy the ones they can’t sell or smuggle outside Syria.

Source: Sana