Shafaq News/ A local source in the Khanaqin district of Diyala Governorate reported on Friday that encroachment on archaeological sites dating back to the 1950s had been successfully stopped.

The trespassing operations, carried out by the municipality department, targeted antiquities belonging to the Iraqi army in the outskirts of Khanaqin district, located 105 kilometers northeast of Baquba.

According to the source, the Diyala Antiquities Inspectorate collaborated with the municipality, antiquities officials, and antiquities police in Khanaqin to halt the transgressions. The archaeological sites in Khanaqin are fortified and under constant surveillance by antiquities personnel to ensure their preservation and prevent further encroachments.

When approached for comment, the Diyala Antiquities Inspectorate declined to provide a statement or further details, citing restrictions on media communication imposed by auditors.

Diyala Governorate is home to numerous significant archaeological sites, many of which have not undergone excavations or yielded discoveries due to various technical and financial limitations. The preservation and protection of these valuable historical sites remain crucial in safeguarding Iraq's rich cultural heritage.