“Our stable was formerly located in East Ghouta and many horses were lost there. After the Syrian government forces entered the region, we are still trying to look for other horses besides the horses that have been confirmed dead," says Gayath al-Shaeeb, the director of the Arabian Horse Office in the Ministry of Agriculture, according to AP.
Arabian horses were estimated to number 12,000 across the country. The association has only found 8,400 horses so far.
Around the world, Arabian horses are prized for their running ability and beauty.
"Arabian horses are abundant in Syria, which has been confirmed by the World Arabian Horse Association. Arabian horses originated in eastern Syria's Mesopotamia. Horse racing is our heritage and tradition. And Arabian horses, together with oil and historic sites, are considered Syria's national treasures, says Shaeeb.
It has a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage.
A beauty competition for Arabian horses was held during the Damascus International Fair in September.
The Syrian civil war began in 2011. It continued through the ISIS conflict and awaits a military and political solution if an armistice shall be reached.
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