In a flagrant violation of historical memory and cultural heritage, an investor has bulldozed and damaged extensive sections of the registered archaeological zone (the "Red Zone") in the city of Palmyra, using heavy machinery to cut a road and install concrete bases and lighting poles.
A source told *Zaman Al-Wasl* that the encroachment was concentrated in the area opposite the Zenobia Hotel and extending eastward, where the investor brought in heavy machinery to carve out a road, showing no regard for the site's archaeological value.
The damage went beyond mere earthworks; the project involved installing lighting poles anchored by massive concrete bases poured directly over ancient stonework, causing severe and irreversible damage to parts of the historic wall and nearby landmarks.
These violations serve the private interests of a nearby hotel, sparking serious concern among heritage experts about the recurrence of such reckless practices. These actions threaten the remaining landmarks of the city—which is listed as a World Heritage Site—and demand urgent, immediate intervention by the relevant authorities to halt the encroachment and hold those responsible accountable.
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