War crimes trials target assaults on world heritage sites

The United States and other coalition backers need to make clear their concern for the threat to Yemen’s — and humanity’s —cultural heritage, write Belkis Wille and James Ross.

For the first time, the International Criminal Court in the Hague has opened war crimes proceedings against an Islamist militant accused of leading in the destruction of historical monuments.

The charges reflect a heightened global concern about the safety of antiquities across the Middle East and North Africa, including in UNESCO world heritage sites. Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates are increasingly launching deliberate assaults on treasured religious monuments.