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US: Saddam's chrome AK-47 being returned to Iraq

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-11 10:40

NEW YORK – Federal customs agents say a pearl-handled AK-47 that belonged to  Saddam Hussein and was in the hands of the US Army is being sent back to Iraq.

This undated photo released by the Department of Homeland Security shows a pearl-handled AK-47 that belonged to Saddam Hussein. Federal customs agents announced Friday, April 10, 2009 that the chrome-plated automatic rifle, which was in the hands of the US Army, is going to be sent back to Iraq at the request of the Iraqi government. [Agencies]

Immigration and Customs Enforcement says the automatic rifle is chrome-plated and has a photo of Hussein near the sight.

ICE spokesman Lou Martinez says the return of the rifle was recently requested by the Iraqi government and ICE traced it to Fort Lewis in Washington. He said the rifle will be kept in ICE custody until arrangements are made to send it to Iraq.

Martinez said he did not know how the Army obtained the weapon, but that it was brought to the United States legally and through official Army channels. A spokesman at Fort Lewis said he could not determine the circumstances of its recovery.