The country has vowed to put a stop to illegal excavations at the country's archaeological sites, many of which have already been ransacked by smugglers.

Beginning in the early 1900s, a great deal of illegal excavation occurred in Zabala.

Since the site is relatively close to Baghdad, it was a popular target for illegal excavations.

The local people continue illegal excavation in their homes and land, damaging the historical monuments.

Many archeological sites in this area have been sacked over the years through illegal excavations.

The site has suffered from poor excavation standards and also from illegal excavations.

Items from illegal excavations at Ishchali began appearing on the open market in the 1920s, including many tablets.

"I figured it probably, at some point, came from an illegal excavation."

He came across a case dealing with illegal excavation and theft of archaeological artifacts.

Governments should, therefore, not rest at trying to keep antiquities in their country, but stop illegal excavations from happening at all'.