Through a statement released on the Syria TV website, the Council explained that the country is facing the largest wave of depredation of antiquities in its modern history, in a context of lack of supervision and a growing international demand for smuggled items.

Major Syrian cities are witnessing the public sale of electronic devices used in illegal excavations, the results of which are posted on social media for the sale of antiquities, the statement said.

It indicated that this market is no longer secret, but has become “open” and fueled by local and regional networks of forgery and complicity.

The report also explained that there is a significant increase in the circulation of counterfeit objects, particularly ancient coins, which makes it extremely difficult to document the origin and legitimacy of the items.

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