Excavation for antiquities in Tel Aran of Aleppo countryside

Several groups, accompanied by armed men, began yesterday, Saturday, heading to the archaeological site of Tel Aran, southeast of Aleppo, with the aim of excavating for antiquities.

19 April, 2026 11:14

NEWSDESK

Several residents of Tel Aran, a town southeast of Aleppo, told ANHA agency that vehicles carrying armed men headed towards the archaeological site in the town on Saturday.

One eyewitness noted seeing insignia of the Syrian Interim Government forces on several of the vehicles, which were carrying people and archaeological excavation equipment.

And indicated that excavation work was underway at the tell, and residents prevented anyone from approaching the site.

The residents also confirmed that this work was preceded by other excavations in surrounding areas such as Al-Waha and Al-Safira, as well as parts of Aleppo city itself.

According to the organizational structure of institutions in Syria, excavations are attributed to the Ministry of Culture through the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM). However, the DGAM has not announced any new excavations through its official channels since the beginning of the year.

Sh-S

ANHA