Legal action launched after damage to ancient Nineveh Wall during construction in Mosul, Iraq

MOSUL, Iraq — In a significant development regarding the archaeological wall of Nineveh, the Nineveh Heritage and Antiquities Inspectorate announced legal action against the Sanitation Directorate of Nineveh for damaging a portion of the ancient wall during a construction project.

Ruwaid al-Laili, Director of the Antiquities Inspectorate, stated in a media release that a formal complaint has been filed with the Nineveh Court to hold those responsible accountable. The incident occurred near Bash Tapia Castle while a sewage line was being installed on the right bank of Mosul. The destruction of part of the ancient wall has ignited widespread outrage among Mosul’s residents.

The Nineveh Wall, dating back to the Assyrian era, was built by King Sennacherib around 700 BC. Stretching 12 kilometers, it features 15 gates and statues of ancient Assyrian kings and gods. The wall is a symbol of Assyrian civilization and remains a notable tourist site in Mosul.

This latest damage adds to the destruction inflicted by the Islamic State (ISIS) during their occupation of Nineveh. In 2015, ISIS demolished the Al-Masqa Gate, an integral part of the ancient wall, further deepening the cultural loss to the city.