Sudanese intelligence service: Recovering stolen Sudanese artifacts was a real battle

Lieutenant General Abbas Bakheet, Deputy Director General of the General Intelligence Service, announced the successful completion of a complex operation in which the agency recovered 570 artifacts looted during the war waged by rebel militias. He also announced the thwarting of an attempt to smuggle a large number of artifacts out of Sudan. Abbas emphasized that the agency will remain vigilant and capable of monitoring and tracking all attempts at organized crime. He affirmed that they possess the necessary capabilities to pursue offenders and prevent any impunity for those who attempt to tamper with Sudan's heritage and treasures. In a speech delivered at a ceremony held in Port Sudan to mark the recovery of the looted artifacts, Abbas stressed that the recovery operation was not easy, but rather a battle to defend Sudan's history and national identity. He noted that the operation was carried out with high professionalism and responsibility in cooperation with relevant authorities, and that the recovered artifacts were documented and classified scientifically and meticulously. He further explained that protecting antiquities is an integral part of Sudan's national security and identity. Lieutenant General Abbas affirmed that all Sudanese citizens bear the responsibility of preserving the country's antiquities. He also commended the national efforts of the Sudanese people who supported and contributed to the recovery of stolen artifacts. Abbas called on citizens to report any stolen or in-possession artifacts and urged them to hand them over to the relevant authorities, warning against cooperating with any criminal activities related to smuggling or selling antiquities. He also announced full coordination between the General Intelligence Service, the judiciary, and relevant departments to recover artifacts through legal means and in cooperation with regional partners when necessary. In closing, he emphasized the gravity of attacks on national heritage, considering them no less serious than attacks on the nation's territory, and stating that such crimes target Sudan's identity and historical memory. He stressed that the agency would confront such violations with utmost firmness and strength to protect the nation's heritage.