Valuable Statues Taken from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic artifacts and other artefacts have been taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, officials say.
The burglary was noticed on Monday, when staff apparently found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.
The six missing sculptures were marble creations and originated to the Roman era, an authority told the Associated Press.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to identify the "details surrounding the disappearance of a collection of items", and that measures had been enacted to strengthen protection and surveillance.
The chief of internal security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the official media as stating that authorities were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He continued that guards at the facility and other persons were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the significant historical artifacts in Syria.
It features ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where indications of the earliest complete alphabet was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, one of the most important cultural centres of the classical era; and a ancient religious building that was established at an ancient location.
The facility was forced to close in 2012, a year after the start of the internal strife. Most of the collection was transferred and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in 2018 and returned to normal in January 2025, one month after opposition groups deposed the Assad regime.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were affected or partially destroyed during the civil war.
The militant faction blew up numerous ancient buildings and historical sites at the archaeological site, asserting that they were idolatrous. The cultural organization condemned the damage as a violation.
Numerous artefacts were also damaged or stolen from archaeological sites and museums.
