The World Heritage Committee,
- Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
- Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36, adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
- Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
- Expresses its deep concern about the escalation of the conflict and the reported damages at the property, including at Saint-Simeon, as well as the illegal re-use of archaeological material and inappropriate new construction;
- Decides to retain the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (Syrian Arab Republic) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.