Historic Artifacts Taken from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable statues and cultural objects have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.
The burglary was discovered on Monday, when staff apparently found that a doorway had been damaged from the inside.
The six stolen sculptures were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, an authority stated to the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to determine the "details surrounding the theft of a number of artifacts", and that steps had been taken to strengthen security and observation methods.
The head of national security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as declaring that law enforcement were investigating the incident, which he said had focused on several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He added that museum protectors at the facility and additional people were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was founded in 1919, contains the significant historical artifacts in Syria.
It features historical records tracing back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where proof of the earliest linguistic system was found; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, a significant cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was built at another archaeological site.
The institution was forced to close in the early 2010s, one year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the artifacts was removed and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in 2018 and returned to normal in early this year, one month after opposition groups deposed Syria's former leader.
Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The IS organization blew up multiple ancient buildings and additional edifices at the ancient city, claiming that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization denounced the destruction as a violation.
Numerous historical objects were also lost or looted from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.
