Valuable Artifacts Removed from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and additional items have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.
The robbery was noticed on Monday, when staff allegedly found that an entrance had been damaged from the inside.
The six stolen pieces were crafted from marble and dated back to the Roman period, an authority told the media outlet.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a number of items", and that measures had been taken to improve security and surveillance.
The head of internal security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the government press as stating that security forces were examining the theft, which he said had affected several "historical artifacts and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the facility and other individuals were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the significant archaeological collection in the country.
It features ancient inscribed tablets dating back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the earliest complete alphabet was found; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was constructed at Dura Europos.
The facility was forced to close in the early 2010s, one year after the start of the devastating civil war. Most of the holdings was evacuated and stored at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in 2018 and completely reopened in early this year, four weeks after rebel forces deposed the Assad regime.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the civil war.
The militant faction blew up numerous temples and additional edifices at the archaeological site, asserting that they were idolatrous. International authorities censured the demolition as a violation.
Numerous cultural items were also damaged or stolen from archaeological sites and museums.
