Hussein's Chrome AK-47 Being Returned to Iraq

This undated photo released by the Department of Homeland Security shows a pearl-handled AK-47 that...

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

(AP)

Federal customs agents say a pearl-handled AK-47 that belonged to Saddam Hussein is being sent back to Iraq.

The weapon had been in the hands of the U.S. Army. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says the automatic rifle is chrome-plated and has a photo of Hussein near the sight.

ICE spokesman Lou Martinez said Friday that the Iraqi government had recently requested the return of the rifle. ICE traced it to Fort Lewis in Washington state.

ICE agent Peter J. Smith calls the AK-47 "a priceless symbol of Iraqi history."

The Army had planned to put the weapon in a museum. Martinez says the military cooperated fully with its return.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.