Historic Statues Taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus
Historic artifacts and additional items have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.
The theft was discovered on Monday, when employees apparently found that a doorway had been forced from the inside.
The multiple stolen pieces were crafted from marble and dated back to the Roman era, an authority informed the news agency.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to determine the "events surrounding the theft of a collection of exhibits", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.
The head of national security in Damascus province, General Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as saying that security forces were investigating the theft, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that guards at the institution and other persons were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the primary cultural treasures in the country.
It contains historical records tracing back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where proof of the oldest known complete alphabet was found; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, a significant historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was constructed at another archaeological site.
The institution was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, twelve months after the start of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was evacuated and stored at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, one month after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partly ruined during the conflict.
The Islamic State group destroyed multiple religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were against their beliefs. Unesco denounced the damage as a war crime.
Numerous historical objects were also destroyed or looted from dig sites and cultural institutions.
