Iraq Stops Attempt To Smuggle Rare Archaeological Treasures Abroad

 Iraq Stops Attempt To Smuggle Rare Archaeological Treasures Abroad

A wish | 01:08 - 05/06/2025  Mawazine News - Baghdad - The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has implemented intensive intelligence efforts that resulted in four major strikes against antiquities and rare book smuggling networks over the past two months across the country.

Committee member MP Yasser Iskandar stated that security and intelligence teams, in coordination with various security formations, carried out operations in Baghdad and other governorates, where a rare archaeological book was seized in Diyala and two individuals in its possession were arrested. 

He explained that these successes are the result of precise intelligence efforts and continuous field monitoring of elements operating within local networks cooperating with external parties to smuggle historical treasures.

Iskandar also pointed to the development of the plan to secure archaeological sites through coordination between the General Authority for Antiquities and security services, which has helped enhance protection and prevent the infiltration of smugglers. 

He emphasized the importance of citizen awareness in thwarting smuggling operations, as reports and national sentiment have contributed to preserving the cultural heritage of Iraq, which is one of the richest countries in the world in antiquities.

These operations have resulted in the arrest of a number of those involved and the dismantling of smuggling operations targeting Iraqi cultural heritage. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=262193