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On January 14, 2024, "The Network Of Free Syria," a Telegram outlet affiliated with Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), reported that "anonymous individuals" looted antiquities that were on display at Arwad's Citadel Museum on Arwad Island in Tartus.[1]
The outlet published three photos documenting the damage caused in the museum by anonymous individuals, adding that they also looted 38 artifacts. No further details were provided by the outlet.
Another Syrian independent online news outlet cited unnamed sources in the Tartus Antiquities Directorate as saying that the "attack on the museum occurred the day after the fall of the Syrian regime, December 8, 2024."[2]
The sources further explained that many safes containing valuable antiquities were vandalized and violently broken, and many antiquities were stolen from the museum. The sources did not specify the number of antiquities stolen or specific items. They also confirmed that the perpetrators have not yet been identified. Investigations are still ongoing.
The outlet noted that the museum is considered one of the important tourist destinations in Tartus. It was established in 1985 and includes several halls, two of which are dedicated to the island's antiquities, two to the antiquities of the Amrit archaeological site, and two to the antiquities of Tell Kazal and to marine excavations.
Iraqi Militias: "Artifacts Were Transported To Turkey"
"Sabereen Plus," a Telegram outlet linked to Iran-backed Iraqi militias who have been critical of HTS for launching a military campaign that ousted their alley, the former Syrian regime, reported that the looted antiquities had been transported to Turkey. The outlet, which often alleges that HTS is backed by Turkey, wrote:
"Erdogan's gangs stormed the Arwad Island Castle Museum, destroyed 38 pieces, stole eight global [sic] artifacts and transported them to Turkey."[3]
It published the same photos that were released by the Syrian outlets.
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