afrinpost-exclusive
Our correspondent reported that the Sultan Murad Division, a militia operating under Turkish supervision, has been carrying out nighttime excavations near Meydanki Dam in Afrin’s Sharan sub-district since early November. These activities are allegedly being conducted in plain sight of Turkish forces, intelligence agencies, and leadership of the Syrian National Army, as well as the opposition Syrian Interim Government.
The source confirmed that heavy machinery, including bulldozers and excavators, is being used to dig in a newly exposed area on the dam’s western bank, revealed due to significant water recession this year. Excavation debris, including soil and rocks, is being dumped directly into the lake.
Operations are reported to take place exclusively at night, ceasing during daylight hours, when both the equipment and personnel disappear from the site. The motive is believed to be the search for ancient artifacts and buried treasures, which are then looted.
Photos and video footage obtained from the site clearly document ongoing excavation activities. Concerns are rising about the systematic destruction and theft of Afrin’s archaeological heritage, which remains unprotected amidst the ongoing conflict and occupation.
