Local sources in the western countryside of Qamishli city, requesting anonymity, told Syria’s official news agency SANA that American troops, who have been stationed on the outskirts of Tell Mozan district – the site of ancient Urkesh – since 2014, have expanded the expanse of regions which they describe as restricted military areas.

The sources added that the US forces, in cooperation with SDF militants, have lately imposed strict restrictions on freedom of movement as part of efforts to further plunder ancient relics, and smuggle them out of Syria to unknown destinations.

They further noted that American occupation troops and their allied militants are aggressively asserting control over the archaeological sites that are among the most unique ones in the world, namely Tell Baidar, al-Hamma region, the Life Stone, Tell Mozan and a number of hills in the eastern flank of Qamishli.

Moreover, informed sources in the al-Qahtaniya village of Raqqa province said US occupation forces have dug up the hill on the outskirts of Muhammad al-Dhiab village as well as the archaeological site of Tell Leilan, stolen relics, including seals and statues, and moved them to their illegal bases in Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah to be smuggled out of the country later on.

The sources noted that gunmen affiliated to the SDF had stolen a rare statue from Qasrok village in al-Ya’rubiyah countryside, and transferred it to an unknown location.