The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the announcement issued by the Internal Security Forces in Al-Hasakah Governorate on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, regarding the launch of a security campaign in the southern countryside of the governorate. This campaign aims to protect archaeological sites from looting, vandalism, and illegal excavation. It coincides with a targeted raid on the Tell Araban archaeological site in the Ajajah area and the initiation of extensive investigations into those involved in these violations.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this security campaign and the efforts of the Internal Security Forces in combating looting and the illicit trafficking of antiquities. It considers this a necessary step to protect Syria’s cultural heritage and welcomes this move, which reflects a growing awareness of the importance of protecting cultural heritage that has been subjected to systematic looting and widespread destruction during the years of war waged by the ousted regime.
The Syrian Future Movement recalls that archaeological sites in Syria, particularly in the eastern region, have been targeted by indiscriminate excavations and organized looting, resulting in the loss of priceless artifacts and the destruction of large parts of this human heritage. We see this campaign as a practical demonstration of the Syrian state’s commitment to protecting its heritage and a clear message to anyone who dares to tamper with this country’s cultural assets: the new Syria will not tolerate any attack on its history and identity.
The Syrian Future Movement also notes that the Director-General of the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums, Anas Haj Zeidan, presented Syria’s national strategy for the protection of cultural heritage last year during his participation in the 14th International Congress of the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East in Lyon, France. He emphasized that Syrian heritage is an integral part of global human heritage and that its protection requires genuine international solidarity.
In this context, we recall that Syria registered nine new heritage sites on the list of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in May 2026, demonstrating the national will to preserve this heritage and solidify Syria’s cultural standing.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for the protection of cultural heritage, as published on its official website. This includes the statement issued on the graduation of the first class of the Tourist Police (dated May 20, 2026), which emphasized that protecting archaeological and heritage sites is an essential part of promoting cultural tourism and supporting the national economy.
While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates this security campaign, it emphasizes that protecting heritage requires more than just security measures. It necessitates a comprehensive national strategy, international cooperation, and investment in infrastructure and specialized personnel.
We also note that the new strategy announced by the Director-General of Antiquities focuses on assessing damage, implementing maintenance work, preparing infrastructure, documenting damage, developing recovery plans, and working to remove Syrian heritage sites from UNESCO’s list of endangered sites. Based on this responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Intensifying security efforts to protect archaeological sites in all governorates, especially in remote and border areas that are witnessing intensive illegal excavation, while strengthening security cooperation with neighboring countries to combat antiquities smuggling.
- Accelerating the implementation of the National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, allocating sufficient budgets for its implementation, and working to remove Syrian archaeological sites from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger.
- Strengthening cooperation with international organizations and foreign experts to benefit from international expertise in the field of antiquities restoration and maintenance, and to retrain Syrian personnel specializing in this field.
- Launching national awareness campaigns on the importance of cultural heritage, targeting all segments of society, especially youth, to promote awareness of the importance of preserving this civilizational legacy and the role of every individual in protecting it from looting and destruction.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms its support for this security campaign and appreciates the efforts of the Internal Security Forces and relevant authorities in protecting Syrian heritage. The Movement reiterates that protecting antiquities is protecting identity and history, and an investment in the future of tourism and development. We call upon the Syrian government and the international community to work together to preserve this human heritage and ensure its transmission to future generations, just as Syria has committed to registering its sites on the ISESCO list, so that Syria remains a beacon of civilization and culture in the region and the world.
