The media learned about the construction of the Russian base near the ruins of the Syrian Palmyra.
According to the Initiative for the protection of cultural heritage at the American school of Oriental research base is located in the protection zone of the archaeological monument under UNESCO protection.
Reported by the AP.
It is noted that on the organization’s website published photos of the American company DigitalGlobe, which distributes satellite data. They are traces of the construction work, which, according to the company, are manufactured on the outskirts of the archaeological site. The site also has photos of the opposition “coordinating Committee of the Palmyra,” and news agencies, which, they claim, shows a Russian military base in Palmyra.
The head of the Syrian Directorate General of antiquities and museums Maamoun Abulkasim confirmed that the Russian military erected a small barracks complex, including control centers and medical facilities. According to him, construction permits his office has not given. He stressed that he would not give such approval, neither the Syrian nor Russian army, as “that would be a violation of the law on archaeology”.
Abdulkarim at the same time stated that the presence of the Russian and the Syrian military is a guarantee that the ruins of the ancient city remain in the hands of the government, as the terrorists of ISIS are still not far from Palmyra.
“During the war, the archaeological authorities sometimes do not give the words, as decisions are dictated by security reasons,” explained Abdulkarim by phone from Damascus. He added that, “when the situation will improve and peace will be established, then we publically demand to remove the” barracks.
Opposition activist from Palmyra Osama al-Khatib, currently living in Turkey, said that the Russian military set of prefabricated buildings and tents on the Northern edge of the archaeological site next to the historic graves. He noted that the base is located a few hundred meters from the ancient temples and triumphal arches.
Syrian troops liberated the captured terrorists from ISIS Palmyra in March with the support of Russian aviation. Mine-the city and the archaeological site was carried out by Russian sappers, who found and destroyed a large Arsenal left by the militants.
