Since 1982, there have been no government funds for maintenance and repairs of historical sites. Natural weathering alone has been destructive to the sites, such as Baalbeck, but even government officials have taken advantage of the civil war situation in order to engage in the illegal trade of ancient artifacts. Rival militias in Tyre have dynamited tombs, sculpture, and columns to increase the number of small artifacts for the market. Illegal excavation has become a major business. An appeal is made for international assistance.