diff --git a/capellambse/decl.py b/capellambse/decl.py
index 9210cd0c4..3850e2967 100644
--- a/capellambse/decl.py
+++ b/capellambse/decl.py
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ def _operate_modify(
                 continue
 
         if isinstance(value, list):
-            setattr(parent, attr, [])
+            _operate_delete(promises, parent, {attr: value})
             yield from _create_complex_objects(promises, parent, attr, value)
         elif isinstance(value, dict):
             obj = getattr(parent, attr)