Historic Artifacts Taken from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and cultural objects have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.
The burglary was found on Monday, when staff reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been forced from the interior.
The multiple stolen statues were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, a source stated to the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to identify the "details surrounding the disappearance of a group of exhibits", and that actions had been taken to improve protection and surveillance.
The chief of national security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as stating that security forces were examining the theft, which he said had focused on several "historical artifacts and rare collectibles".
He noted that guards at the museum and other persons were being questioned.
The National Museum, which was founded in 1919, houses the most important historical artifacts in Syria.
It includes ancient inscribed tablets originating to the ancient era from historical site, where evidence of the earliest linguistic system was found; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, a significant cultural centres of the historical period; and a third century religious building that was built at another archaeological site.
The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the artifacts was removed and kept at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and resumed full operations in early this year, one month after opposition groups removed President Bashar al-Assad.
All six of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The militant faction blew up several temples and other structures at the archaeological site, stating that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization condemned the destruction as a war crime.
Many cultural items were also lost or looted from dig sites and collections.
