The Ministry of Culture on Saturday said that the egregious aerial assault carried out by US forces had resulted in a massive damaged to the historic Citadel of al-Rahba, a medieval Arab fortress situated on the west bank of the Euphrates River in al-Mayadeen city, Deir Ezzor.
In a statement, the Ministry emphasized the blatant violation of international norms and conventions, specifically pointing to the breach of Article 4 of the 1954 Hague Convention, which mandates the protection and respect of cultural property.
This citadel, dating back to the 9th century AD and known as Qal’at al-Rahba, holds immense historical significance. Perched atop a mound with an elevation of 244 meters (801 ft), al-Rahba commands a strategic position overlooking the Syrian Desert steppe. However, the ravages of time and wind erosion have left it largely in ruins.
Originally named “Rahbat Malik ibn Tawk,” the fortress played a pivotal role in the region’s history. Destroyed in an earthquake in 1157, it was later rebuilt near the desert edge by Zengid–Ayyubid lord Shirkuh, with subsequent reconstructions in 1207 and during the Mamluk era.
In a separate incident, US occupation forces conducted a brazen aerial assault on Saturday in the eastern region of Syria near the Iraqi borders.
This “unprovoked” attack resulted in numerous civilian and military casualties, injuries, and extensive damage to both private and public properties, further exacerbating tensions in the already volatile region, Syria said in its statement.