Houthi gangs are selling rare archaeological artifacts in Yareem, raising concerns over cultural heritage preservation.

Rare Artifacts Sold in Yareem Amid Ongoing Looting

Yemen’s Cultural Heritage at Risk

Researcher Abdullah Mohsen has revealed alarming news about the open sale of rare artifacts from the historic city of Dhofar in Yareem, located in the northeastern part of Ibb Governorate. This activity occurs against a backdrop of rampant looting and trafficking of antiquities by gangs linked to the Houthi militia.

The Antiquities Trade in Yareem

Mohsen highlighted that a significant collection of ancient jewelry and bronze artifacts is available for sale through a notorious gang known for plundering archaeological sites in Ibb and Dhamar. This gang enjoys protection and complicity from influential figures, complicating efforts to combat this illegal trade. Among the displayed items is a golden dagger handle dating back to the first century AD, recognized as one of three famous daggers from Dhofar. Additionally, an intricately crafted ancient bracelet has been scientifically described in collaboration with experts in Yemeni heritage.

Increasing Looting Activities

This troubling trend coincides with local reports confirming that new archaeological sites in the Dhofar region have recently fallen victim to looting. Gangs associated with the Houthis have employed advanced scanning equipment in the village of Al-Jabouba, leading to the excavation of burial chambers carved into rock and the theft of their contents. Amid this crisis, authorities have ignored pleas from local residents, raising community concerns about the fate of their cultural heritage.

Threats to Cultural Legacies

Two weeks ago, the village of Al-Arafa experienced similar looting incidents, while an ancient temple in the village of Al-Mawda in the Al-Rudmah district faced organized attacks. These actions are part of a broader wave of destruction affecting archaeological sites since the militia took control of Ibb Governorate in 2014. Furthermore, the Dhofar Historical Museum has suffered repeated thefts over the years, including the loss of a seal belonging to a king of Himyar and inscriptions documenting significant periods of ancient Yemeni history. This ongoing destruction threatens one of the country’s most vital cultural legacies.

For more details, visit the original article here.

The post originally appeared on Yemen TV.

To follow the news in Arabic