Valuable Artifacts Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic artifacts and other artefacts have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.
The theft was noticed on Monday, when employees reportedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.
The half-dozen missing pieces were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, a source informed the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to establish the "details surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that actions had been enacted to improve protection and observation methods.
The head of internal security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as saying that security forces were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the museum and other individuals were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It contains historical records dating back to the ancient era from an ancient city, where proof of the oldest known linguistic system was found; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from the ancient city, a significant historical locations of the historical period; and a third century synagogue that was built at another archaeological site.
The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. Most of the artifacts was evacuated and stored at undisclosed sites to protect them.
It partially resumed in 2018 and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after opposition groups deposed the Assad regime.
Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partly ruined during the conflict.
The IS organization demolished numerous ancient buildings and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were un-Islamic. International authorities denounced the damage as a war crime.
Countless cultural items were also damaged or stolen from dig sites and museums.
