ISIS Beheaded A Renowned Syrian Antiquities Expert And Hung His Body From Ancient Roman Columns
Khaled al-Asaad, 81, was instrumental in the excavation and restoration of Palmyra's vast ruins.
13 Exclusive Photos Of Looted (And Fake) Syrian Artifacts For Sale
Sources working on the black market that helps to fund Syria's civil war pass around photos of looted artifacts as well as forgeries, hoping to make a sale.
U.S.-Backed Syrian Rebel Leader Kidnapped In Syria
The commander, Col. Nadim al-Hassan, was most likely captured inside Syria by an Al-Qaeda affiliate, an official with the group tells BuzzFeed News.
This Is How Syrian Antiquities Are Being Smuggled And Sold
The trade in stolen antiquities from Syria funds all sides of the civil war that has engulfed the country. BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio traveled along its porous border with Turkey to meet the people involved in this black market, from grave robbers and excavators to middlemen and dealers.
Syrian Rebels Say They Don't Fully Trust The New U.S. Plan To Train Them To Fight ISIS
“I’m sure they are not serious,” one rebel commander said of a new U.S. program to arm and train Syrian rebels. “But we have no choice.”
Smugglers Say Palmyra’s Artifacts Will Be “Good Business”
The overrunning of the ancient city has triggered a torrent of lament for its priceless remnants of history.
How An American Tourist Lost His Passport In Istanbul And Was Sucked Into Syria’s War
When a Michigan student was pickpocketed in Istanbul, little could he have known his passport would soon be peddled to spies and journalists as that of an ISIS fighter. BuzzFeed News’ Mike Giglio traced its journey through an underworld of smugglers, thieves, and refugees.
Swedish Journalist Free After Detention By Regime Forces In Syria
The detention of a Swedish freelance journalist by regime forces in Syria was a reminder of the myriad dangers facing reporters in the country.
ISIS Operative: This Is How We Send Jihadis To Europe
BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio speaks to an ISIS operative in Turkey about the group's efforts to smuggle fighters to the West.
How To Get A Fake Syrian ID
It's surprisingly easy to do along the Turkey–Syria border — good news for refugees and jihadis alike. BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio saw for himself just how simple the process was.
Turkish Forces Crack Down On Oil Smugglers After BuzzFeed News Investigation
"They besieged the town from all sides." The early-hours raid took place days after BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio reported on one smuggling hub.
Smuggler Says He Sent ISIS Fighters To Europe
"The Western world thinks there is no ISIS in their countries — that all the jihadis have gone to fight and die in Syria." BuzzFeed News' Mike Giglio speaks with the men who claim to have helped ISIS slip into Europe.