Iraqi Forces Discover Smuggled Treasure

Iraqi Forces Discover Smuggled Treasure
December 27, 2008
American Forces Press Service

BASRA, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces recently uncovered hundreds of historical artifacts during two raids in northern Basra.

The 228 ancient artifacts included Sumerian and Babylonian sculpture, gold jewelry and other items from ancient Mesopotamia.

“This is my favorite item,” said Iraqi Col. Ali Sabah, commander of the Basra Emergency Battalion that led the operation, holding a piece of gold jewelry. “It’s gold from the Babylon ages and about 6,000 years old. It doesn’t have a price.”

“I’m very happy because this is my civilization’s heritage,” he said.

The Basra Emergency Battalion led raid operated from tips that smugglers intended to remove the treasure from the country.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/iraqi-forces-discover-smuggled-treasure.html?col=1186032310810