Valuable Artifacts Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient statues and other artefacts have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, sources confirm.
The theft was found on Monday, when staff allegedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.
The half-dozen missing pieces were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, an authority told the media outlet.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a number of items", and that actions had been taken to enhance protection and surveillance.
The chief of national security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as declaring that law enforcement were probing the theft, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He continued that guards at the museum and additional people were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was created in 1919, contains the significant historical artifacts in the country.
It features historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the most ancient complete alphabet was uncovered; Greco-Roman period ancient art from Palmyra, a significant historical locations of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was established at an ancient location.
The museum was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the start of the destructive conflict. Most of the holdings was transferred and stored at secure places to protect them.
It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in the beginning of the year, four weeks after opposition groups overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The Islamic State group destroyed numerous ancient buildings and additional edifices at the archaeological site, asserting that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization condemned the damage as a atrocity.
Countless artefacts were also damaged or stolen from dig sites and museums.
