Ad-Damar, June 23, 2026 (SUNA) — Minister of Culture, Information, Antiquities and Tourism Khalid Al-Eisir has praised the pivotal role played by the General Intelligence Service in the “Battle of Dignity” and in safeguarding the national economy. This came on Tuesday during his visit to the Service’s headquarters in Ad-Damar, where he reviewed an antiquities seizure that had been prepared for smuggling outside the country but was successfully intercepted by the agency. Al-Eisir said attempts by mercenaries and cross-border actors aimed at looting antiquities and erasing Sudan’s identity had been thwarted due to the vigilance of the intelligence service and other regular forces. He noted that hundreds of archaeological pieces looted by the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia from various parts of the country had been recovered. He added that efforts are ongoing to retrieve all stolen antiquities abroad, stressing: “We will not rest until all looted antiquities are recovered.” He also said the ministry, through the Council of Ministers, has signed international agreements for the protection of antiquities to ensure the return of stolen artifacts, adding that Sudan maintains strong relations with international organisations concerned with heritage protection. The Wali of River Nile State, Dr. Mohamed Al-Badawi Abdel-Majed Abu Gron, praised the efforts of the intelligence service in maintaining security in the state, protecting the national economy, and addressing threats with high professionalism. He also highlighted coordination among security agencies in ensuring national stability and announced support for the force that thwarted the smuggling attempt. For his part, Director of the General Intelligence Service in the state, Major General Yasser Ali Bashir, said the agency would remain “a watchful eye and a firm hand” against anyone attempting to undermine the security, stability, and resources of the nation and its citizens.BH/BH