US returns smuggled ancient artefacts to Libya

A Hellenic sculpture of a head from the ancient Libya city of Cyrene (Yousef Murad/AP)

The United States has returned a cache of smuggled ancient artefacts to Libya as the Mediterranean country struggles to protect its heritage against the backdrop of years of war and unrest.

The repatriated items include two sculptures dating to the 4th century BC from the ancient city of Cyrene.