Ancient Statues Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic statues and other artefacts have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The theft was found on the start of the week, when employees reportedly found that an entrance had been broken from the inside.
The half-dozen stolen sculptures were made of marble and dated back to the Roman era, an authority told the news agency.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to establish the "events surrounding the disappearance of a number of exhibits", and that steps had been taken to strengthen protection and observation methods.
The chief of national security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the official media as stating that authorities were examining the incident, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".
He noted that security personnel at the museum and additional people were being interrogated.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in 1919, contains the most important historical artifacts in Syria.
It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where indications of the most ancient linguistic system was found; early centuries CE classical statues from Palmyra, among the foremost historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at another archaeological site.
The museum was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and preserved at undisclosed sites to safeguard them.
It began limited operations in 2018 and completely reopened in the beginning of the year, four weeks after opposition groups removed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or significantly impacted during the conflict.
The militant faction destroyed numerous ancient buildings and additional edifices at the ancient city, claiming that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the demolition as a war crime.
Numerous artefacts were also lost or taken from dig sites and collections.
