Valuable Artifacts Removed from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, sources confirm.
The burglary was found on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.
The half-dozen stolen sculptures were marble creations and traced back to the Roman period, an authority stated to the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "events surrounding the disappearance of a number of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to enhance security and surveillance.
The director of national security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as saying that law enforcement were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and rare collectibles".
He continued that guards at the institution and additional people were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was created in 1919, contains the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the ancient era from an ancient city, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was found; Greco-Roman period classical statues from the ancient city, one of the most important cultural centres of the classical era; and a ancient Jewish temple that was built at Dura Europos.
The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the outbreak of the internal strife. A large portion of the holdings was removed and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in 2018 and returned to normal in January 2025, one month after opposition groups overthrew the Assad regime.
All six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The IS organization blew up numerous temples and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities condemned the destruction as a atrocity.
Numerous cultural items were also damaged or taken from historical locations and collections.
