Iraq Intensifies Inspections to Protect Archaeological Heritage Sites

Archaeological and heritage inspection teams in several Iraqi provinces have continued field monitoring visits to archaeological sites and mounds to strengthen protection measures and prevent illegal excavations and encroachments, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities.

In Karbala province, archaeological staff conducted inspection tours across several historic mounds in coordination with the Archaeological Police, site guards and relevant authorities. The visits included Tel al-Hamar, Eshan al-Hamar 1, 2 and 3, Tel al-Manfahan in the Al‑Hindia district, and Tel Qabr Bandar in the Kamaliya area of Al-Hurr district.

Officials said the visits aimed to assess site conditions and ensure protection procedures are in place. Inspectors also met nearby residents, urging them not to tamper with or encroach on archaeological areas and encouraging them to report any violations.

In a related development, a committee from the Karbala Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate supervised work on a treated-water pipeline project operated by the Karbala Sewerage Directorate. The pipeline route runs near the protected boundaries of the archaeological mound of Tel Jeham and passes through an area previously excavated.

The ministry said the monitoring aims to safeguard Iraq’s archaeological heritage and preserve historic sites.