Local Editor

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, condemned the airstrikes on the ancient city of Marib in Yemen and is calling on all parties involved in the conflict to refrain from targeting the country’s unique cultural heritage, according to the UNESCO website recently this week [on Tuesday]. 

The website read: "UNESCO has received information on damage caused to the Great Dam of Marib by an airstrike during the night of May 31. According to reports received, the ancient Sabaean inscriptions on the walls of the dam may also have been affected by the bombing. This came just one week after the National Museum in Dhamar was completely destroyed. The museum contained some 12,500 artefacts bearing witness to the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding region".

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova. Said that, "I am deeply concerned by the distressing news from Yemen of further damage and destruction of its unique cultural heritage. The damage inflicted on the great dam of Marib, one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Yemen and in the Arabian Peninsula, and a testimony the history and values shared by humankind".

She further added, "I strongly urge all parties involved to refrain from targeting cultural heritage sites and monuments.

Moreover, the website wrote that, "Many other historical sites suffered collateral damage from the armed conflict, including the old cities of Sana’ and Zabid, inscribed on the World Heritage List, as well as the historic centre of Sada’a, Mukalla and Taez".