Evidence of destruction and burning was identified in Stratum V on the Upper Tell. Tubb and Dorrell (1991:72) reported the remains of two equid skeletons in Area AA 900, interpreted as victims of the destructive event. In Area AA 1300, Tubb and Dorrell (1993:54–56) documented additional evidence of collapse and fire, while Tubb, Dorrell, and Cobbing (1996:33) identified further destruction in Area MM on the northeastern slope of the Upper Tell. According to Tubb and Dorrell (1991:69), Pritchard dated Stratum V to 750–730 BCE, raising the possibility that Tell Saidiyeh was affected during the Assyrian conquests of the later eighth century BCE.

A construction-related site effect has also been considered for the Stratum XII destruction, since the buildings were constructed of mudbrick and lacked stone foundations (Tubb and Dorrell 1993:56).