UNESCO classes Sanaa as heritage sites in danger

The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Organisation for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) yesterday added the Old City of Sanaa and the Old Walled City of Shibam to the list of World Heritage in Danger.

During their 39th session in the city of Bonn, Germany, the committee said the Old City of Sanaa and the Old Walled City of Shibam sustained serious damage due to the ongoing clashes between Shia Houthi rebels and government forces.

It said the decision to include both cities on the World Heritage in Danger list will help mobilise international efforts to protect the sites.

The Old City of Sanaa has been inhibited for more than 2,500 years.