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UNESCO: 5 Libyan World Heritage Sites in danger
Original Publication Date: July 14, 2016 1:13AM
Publication Updated: April 28, 2025 1:11AM
ISTANBUL – UNESCO is putting five Libyan sites on its list of World Heritage in Danger.
The World Heritage Committee made the decision on Thursday, noting Libya’s “high level of instability” and the presence of armed groups in or near historic sites.
Now on the list are the archaeological sites of Cyrene, Leptis Magna, Sabratha, western Libya’s rock art sites of Tadrart Acacus which date back millennia, and the oasis Old Town of Ghadames.
The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee began in Istanbul on July 19 and ends July 20.
Libya plunged into lawlessness after a 2011 NATO-backed revolt led to the ouster and death of long-time dictator Moammar Gadhafi.
The Islamic State group, which has destroyed cultural heritage across Syria and Iraq, has found a foothold in Libya.
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