At least 5,000 ancient sites have been detected by satellite including some in areas under the control of armed groups, the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC) said on Sunday.



The ministry said they will draw a map of all the ancient places as part of their five-year plan and will send archaeologists abroad to develop their knowledge of archaeology in order to maintain the areas.



The MoIC said they started identifying historical sites last year in collaboration with a number of foreign organizations.



“Our plan has just started and it will continue for five years. I am sure our activities will increase once the final map is ready,” said Abdul Qadir Temori, head of archaeology department of the MoIC.



Figures by the MoIC reveal that 5,260 ancient sites were identified in different provinces over the past 10 years.



“We want to build a new building, because lack of space is a big problem for us,” said Mohammad Fahim Rahimi, chairman of the National Museum.



Meanwhile, acting minister of information and culture, Sayed Kamal Sadat, urged the people to return antiquities and relics smuggled out of the country during the civil war.



“We urge other countries to obey international laws and return Afghan relics, which were smuggled out of Afghanistan,” Sadat added.



A number of visitors at the National Museum in Kabul meanwhile urged government to ensure the safety of historical sites and relics around the country.



“I am here in Kabul to visit the National Museum. I will tell the story of what I have seen here when I am back in Kandahar. The historical relics are kept properly at the museum,” said Abdullah, a visitor from Kandahar.



“We urge Afghans to return relics to the National Museum if they have them at home or elsewhere,” said Barikzai, another visitor from Kandahar.