Hillah: A joint operation led by the Intelligence Service and the Organized Crime Directorate in Babylon, with assistance from Al-Soub Al-Kabir police department, successfully apprehended two individuals accused of antiquities smuggling. The suspects were intercepted in the Babylon Governorate after entering from a neighboring region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Brigadier General Adel Al-Hussaini, Director of Media for the Babylon Police, reported that the operation involved a strategically planned ambush in Hillah District. Authorities confiscated an artifact featuring cuneiform inscriptions believed to originate from ancient historical periods. The item was allegedly obtained through unauthorized excavations. The suspects have been transferred to investigative authorities for further legal proceedings. The seized artifact is currently with the Antiquities Inspectorate for verification of its authenticity and historical significance.