The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has placed five sites in Libya on the List of World Heritage in Danger after the damaged caused by unrest in the country.

The five sites included the archaeological sites of Cyrene, Leptis Magna and Sabratha, in addition to rock-art sites of Tadrart Acacus and the old town of Ghadames. 

"The high level of instability affecting the country and the fact that armed groups are present on these sites or in their immediate surroundings. It invoked the damage already incurred and the serious threat of further damage to explain the decision." The Committee noted during its annual meeting in Istanbul, Turkey on July 14.

Earlier this year, vandals defaced the ancient site of Cyrene in east Libya with spray paint.