Sanaa takes measures to recover looted Yemeni antiquities, prosecute those involved in their smuggling

SANAA, Oct. 31 (YPA) – The Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Sanaa has accused the government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition and its supporters of destroying archaeological sites, stealing Yemeni antiquities, and selling them in international auctions.

The ministry said in a statement it issued on Wednesday that “it will not stand idly by in the face of the theft, looting, and sale of Yemeni antiquities by those who profit from looting people’s wealth and capabilities.”

The statement stated that the ministry is currently taking procedures to recover all Yemeni antiquities and pursuing and prosecuting those involved in the crimes of looting and smuggling of antiquities and holding them accountable at domestic and international levels.

The ministry called on local authorities, security services, tribal leaders, and citizens in Jawf and Marib provinces to cooperate in preventing the smuggling of antiquities and prosecuting those who cooperate with smugglers.

The statement called for holding a national conference for all relevant agencies to preserve the antiquities that Yemen is rich in and to mobilize all necessary capabilities to protect and maintain them.

YPA