Valuable Statues Removed from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.
The robbery was found on the start of the week, when staff reportedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the inside.
The six missing pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, a source told the Associated Press.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to identify the "events surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that actions had been taken to enhance security and observation methods.
The head of national security in the capital area, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was cited by the government press as declaring that law enforcement were investigating the robbery, which he said had focused on several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He noted that museum protectors at the institution and other persons were being interviewed.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where indications of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, a significant ancient sites of the ancient world; and a ancient religious building that was built at an ancient location.
The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the beginning of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the collection was removed and kept at undisclosed sites to safeguard them.
It reopened partially in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, four weeks after opposition groups overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
All six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partly ruined during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group blew up several temples and additional edifices at Palmyra, claiming that they were against their beliefs. Unesco denounced the damage as a war crime.
Many artefacts were also lost or looted from historical locations and cultural institutions.
