Ancient Statues Removed from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The robbery was found on the start of the week, when staff reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.
The six taken sculptures were crafted from marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, one official told the news agency.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to establish the "details surrounding the theft of a number of artifacts", and that actions had been enacted to enhance safeguarding and monitoring systems.
The chief of domestic security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as saying that law enforcement were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and rare collectibles".
He added that guards at the facility and other persons were being questioned.
The Damascus Museum, which was established in 1919, houses the primary cultural treasures in the country.
It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where indications of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; Greco-Roman period classical statues from the ancient city, one of the most important cultural centres of the historical period; and a third century religious building that was built at an ancient location.
The facility was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the beginning of the internal strife. A large portion of the artifacts was removed and kept at undisclosed sites to protect them.
It reopened partially in 2018 and resumed full operations in early this year, a month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.
All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were damaged or significantly impacted during the civil war.
The militant faction demolished numerous temples and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization denounced the demolition as a violation.
Numerous artefacts were also destroyed or stolen from dig sites and museums.
