Ancient Artifacts Removed from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The theft was found on the start of the week, when staff allegedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the interior.
The half-dozen missing statues were crafted from marble and traced back to the ancient Roman times, a source told the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to identify the "details surrounding the loss of a group of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to strengthen security and surveillance.
The head of domestic security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as declaring that security forces were investigating the incident, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He noted that museum protectors at the institution and other persons were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the most important cultural treasures in the country.
It contains historical records tracing back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where indications of the oldest known complete alphabet was found; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, among the foremost historical locations of the classical era; and a ancient Jewish temple that was constructed at an ancient location.
The museum was compelled to shut in 2012, a year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. Most of the holdings was removed and stored at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in 2018 and returned to normal in early this year, four weeks after rebel forces deposed President Bashar al-Assad.
Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The militant faction blew up multiple temples and additional edifices at the ancient city, stating that they were un-Islamic. International authorities denounced the destruction as a violation.
Numerous artefacts were also damaged or taken from archaeological sites and museums.