Iraqi Gold and Saddam's Golden Guns

20 years ago the US attacked Iraq with what they called "Shock and Awe." Dubbed 'Operation Desert Storm' American forces cut thru limited Iraqi resistance like butter and took control of the country.

We all know the story I'm sure, eventually they found Saddam Hussein hiding in a culvert looking understandably disheveled. Quite a quick fall for a man who was the top dog in his country for so long.

Americans took control of all Saddam's palaces and posed for pictures with some of the loot

While they didn't find any weapons of mass destruction they did find alot of gold. Gold gilded chairs, a throne, beds and stuff, you name it was gold. They also found many golden guns

America also seized all of Iraq's gold. One stash was uncovered in a rusted out oil tanker

I can't find a definative number of how much gold they found but some say it was trillion dollars worth. Apparently it was sent to Kuwait to be held safely and help the new government rebuild their country.

Some theories claim the US stole it to replenish thier stores at Fort Knox and others state they paid private contractors in the metal for their help defending the newly overthrown nation.

While it's not clear exactly what happened to the gold its not in Saddam Hussein's hands anymore, he was hung December 30th 2006

And there you have it, another quality gold related post from @goldenarms 😎

Have a great night!