Ancient Statues Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient statues and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, sources confirm.
The robbery was found on the start of the week, when employees apparently found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.
The half-dozen missing pieces were marble creations and originated to the ancient Roman times, a source informed the news agency.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a group of items", and that actions had been enacted to strengthen safeguarding and surveillance.
The head of domestic security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as saying that security forces were examining the theft, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the institution and other individuals were being questioned.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, houses the primary archaeological collection in Syria.
It contains historical records originating to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where indications of the earliest writing system was found; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, one of the most important cultural centres of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was established at another archaeological site.
The facility was forced to close in 2012, one year after the start of the internal strife. The majority of the artifacts was transferred and kept at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, one month after insurgents overthrew the Assad regime.
Each of the six of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The militant faction demolished several ancient buildings and additional edifices at the archaeological site, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities censured the demolition as a violation.
Countless historical objects were also destroyed or taken from historical locations and museums.
