Valuable Artifacts Removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus
Historic statues and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The burglary was discovered on Monday, when museum workers apparently found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.
The six stolen sculptures were made of marble and traced back to the Roman era, an authority told the media outlet.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a number of exhibits", and that measures had been taken to improve safeguarding and monitoring systems.
The head of domestic security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the state-run Sana news agency as saying that security forces were investigating the theft, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that museum protectors at the institution and other persons were being interviewed.
The Damascus Museum, which was created in the early twentieth century, houses the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It includes historical records tracing back to the ancient era from historical site, where indications of the most ancient linguistic system was found; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, one of the most important historical locations of the ancient world; and a ancient synagogue that was established at an ancient location.
The facility was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, twelve months after the start of the devastating civil war. Most of the holdings was transferred and stored at secret locations to safeguard them.
It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents overthrew Syria's former leader.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group blew up numerous religious structures and historical sites at Palmyra, claiming that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the damage as a violation.
Countless cultural items were also damaged or stolen from archaeological sites and museums.