Valuable Sculptures Removed from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable artifacts and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The burglary was found on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the inside.
The half-dozen missing statues were marble creations and dated back to the ancient Roman times, one official stated to the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to establish the "details surrounding the disappearance of a number of exhibits", and that actions had been taken to strengthen protection and surveillance.
The chief of internal security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the government press as declaring that authorities were probing the incident, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".
He continued that security personnel at the facility and additional people were being interviewed.
The National Museum, which was established in 1919, houses the significant cultural treasures in Syria.
It features historical records originating to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where proof of the most ancient complete alphabet was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the classical era; and a third century Jewish temple that was constructed at an ancient location.
The institution was forced to close in 2012, one year after the start of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the holdings was removed and preserved at undisclosed sites to protect them.
It began limited operations in 2018 and resumed full operations in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents removed President Bashar al-Assad.
All six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partly ruined during the civil war.
The IS organization blew up numerous temples and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were idolatrous. International authorities condemned the destruction as a war crime.
Numerous cultural items were also destroyed or looted from archaeological sites and collections.