Taiz (Debriefer) - Authorities in the Yemeni southwestern governorate of Taiz have recovered three archeological items dating back to pre-Islam era, director of Taiz tourist police said Saturday.
In coordination with Waheeb al-Houri, an army colonel, three marble statues were restored, Colonel Tawfiq al-Qadasi added in remarks carried by the interior ministry-run security media website.
Once legal measures are finalized, the preserved archeological pieces will be handed to the public cooperation of antiques in Taiz, he said.
In January 2020, Yemeni government forces captured a gang active in smuggling antiques, with a group of manuscripts dating from 800 years in possession in Taiz city.
As the 6-year-old war persists in the country, many Yemeni archeological items (including bronze statues and rare manuscripts) were looted and smuggled abroad.