Libya’s Shahat Antiquities Office has confirmed the seizure of a suspected ancient artifact found in the possession of a foreign tourist at Al-Abyar (Al-Abraq) International Airport. The item, identified as an old clay jug, is believed to be of significant historical value and may belong to an important period of Libyan heritage.
According to the office, airport security alerted the local antiquities authority on 12 November after officers noticed the potential archaeological nature of the object during routine screening.
Anis Hamid Bouajaib, a specialist from the Shahat Antiquities Office, immediately visited the airport to inspect the item and prepare an initial assessment report. The artifact was then formally received and transferred to the secure storage facilities of the Shahat Antiquities Office to ensure its preservation.
Authorities confirmed that the jug will undergo expert examination, including detailed authentication and historical dating, to determine its origin and scientific value. The Shahat office praised the vigilance of airport security personnel, stressing that their alertness plays a crucial role in protecting Libya’s cultural heritage from illegal trafficking.