Ancient Artifacts Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The theft was discovered on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.
The multiple missing statues were made of marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official informed the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to identify the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a group of exhibits", and that steps had been enacted to strengthen security and monitoring systems.
The director of internal security in the capital area, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that authorities were examining the incident, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the facility and other individuals were being interrogated.
The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, houses the most important archaeological collection in Syria.
It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the earliest linguistic system was uncovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from Palmyra, a significant historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was established at another archaeological site.
The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, one year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the artifacts was removed and stored at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It began limited operations in 2018 and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents overthrew Syria's former leader.
All six of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The militant faction destroyed several temples and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization censured the destruction as a violation.
Many historical objects were also lost or looted from dig sites and cultural institutions.
