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In Libya, an independent militia has taken upon itself to safeguard an ancient city with over 1000 years of history.
Ali Hribish stands by the Arch of Septimius Severus which dominates Libya’s ancient city of Leptis Magna, brandishing letters of thanks for his efforts to protect the site.
Despite having no background in archaeology, Hribish gathered a band of fighters who dedicated themselves to preserving the ancient Roman city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The group of 20 young men, Kalashnikov assault rifles in hand, go on a routine patrol around the 50-hectare site.
They inspect the hippodrome, the basilica and the open-air theatre that used to host some 15,000 spectators on its terraces, with a sublime view of the Mediterranean.
