Armed gang raids gold shop in Basra's Abu al-Khasib district

BASRA, Iraq — An armed gang broke into a gold shop in the Abu al-Khasib district in southeastern Basra, stealing gold jewelry and cash before fleeing through a hole cut in the building's roof, a Basra police security source said. The thieves entered by cutting through the roof, collected gold pieces displayed in wooden and glass cases, and took an undisclosed amount of money from drawers before escaping through the same opening, the source said. Security forces cordoned off the area after the robbery and set up checkpoints on nearby routes, the source added. An investigation has been opened, and police are working to identify and detain the suspects. The source said officers are reviewing footage from security cameras and taking statements from witnesses in the area. The latest robbery in Abu al-Khasib has added to local calls for tighter security measures in the district.