The report cited officials in Duhok say there are at least 79 known archaeological sites in the Amedi and Zakho districts of Duhok, where Turkey and the PKK often clash.

Dr Bekas Brifkany, the director-general of Duhok Antiquities, accuses Turkey of destroying Barokh Castle in a recent operation in which Turkish troops used bulldozers to establish military outposts. He also said that Turkey bombed Qumri Castle in Barwari Bala, Kurdistan 24 reported.

The report also outlined how Duhok is home to many artefacts and sites from various ancient civilizations, including the Charsteen cave, which Kurdistan 24 said is “believed to be a Zoroastrian fire temple from the Furthian period”.

The PKK frequently use caves to shelter from Turkish air and drone strikes. Brifkany pointed out that archaeologists cannot examine several caves or other areas of natural importance for damage since they are located in active conflict zones.

In late May, Iraqi Kurds expressed outrage after they learned that Turkey is deforesting part of the region’s border areas to build new roads for military use.

Reporter's code: 50101