Baghdad, Aug. 24 (SANA) Iraq’s National Security Service said Monday it had recovered hundreds of rare antiquities in ongoing operations to protect the country’s historical and cultural heritage.
In a statement on X, the agency said intelligence-based operations authorized by the judiciary were carried out in Kirkuk, Nineveh, Anbar, Babil and Wasit, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of antiquities, manuscripts and rare gold coins and the arrest of several dealers and smugglers.
The Baghdad National Security Directorate separately recovered five statues, five pottery pieces, a cylinder seal and ancient coins. The items were confiscated under legal procedures for handover to the relevant authorities.
On August 16, Iraq’s Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency said it had foiled the smuggling of a shipment from outside the country containing more than 800 ancient coins and arrested the person possessing them in Baghdad.
KA/MF
