Looting and Plundering of the National Museum of Iraq - 2003-04-12

Looting and Plundering of the National Museum of Iraq - 2003-04-12. American and British forces, while trying to establish order in Iraqi cities, are also attempting to crush the remnants of resistance. American forces in Baghdad state that their primary priority remains to eliminate the stains of resistance. However, American forces have also begun patrolling to stop the looting and lawlessness that has persisted for several days in the Iraqi capital. Looters have either stolen or destroyed valuable artworks during the plundering of the National Museum of Iraq. Out of thirty hospitals in Baghdad, only three remain operational, and the Red Cross states that medical staff are struggling to work. Reports also indicate looting and plundering in the northern city of Mosul and the southern city of Basra. Meanwhile, American forces are preparing to advance towards the last stronghold of loyal forces to Saddam Hussein's government in his hometown of Tikrit, located one hundred and fifty kilometers north of Baghdad. American aircraft have been bombarding the positions of the so-called Republican Guards around Tikrit for several days. Officials say that the movement of another American army division from Kuwait has begun. Authorities have not yet disclosed the destination of this division, which comprises over ten thousand soldiers.