Primary causes of damage to the site of Apamea is looting. The looters are often aided by Syrian regime officials based in Al-Habuseh area in Al Madiq Citadel, who help traffic stolen artifacts without fear of any legal consequences. After bribing regime officials, the artifacts are smuggled across the Syrian-Lebanese border. Other cause of damage to the site is mainly from exposure to the elements. There is a dire need for repairs; regime forces stationed nearby render most of the site area too dangerous. The Free Syrian Army has offered to protect some areas so the repairs could be done, but those areas are limited.
