Valuable Sculptures Stolen from the National Museum in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and other artefacts have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The burglary was noticed on the start of the week, when employees allegedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the interior.
The half-dozen missing pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority stated to the media outlet.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a collection of exhibits", and that steps had been enacted to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.
The chief of domestic security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the official media as declaring that law enforcement were investigating the incident, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He noted that security personnel at the institution and other persons were being interviewed.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in 1919, contains the most important archaeological collection in the country.
It includes ancient inscribed tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where evidence of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; Greco-Roman period classical statues from Palmyra, one of the most important historical locations of the ancient world; and a third century Jewish temple that was established at an ancient location.
The institution was compelled to shut in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was removed and preserved at secret locations to safeguard them.
It partially resumed in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, a month after insurgents removed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The IS organization demolished multiple temples and additional edifices at Palmyra, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities denounced the demolition as a violation.
Numerous artefacts were also damaged or looted from dig sites and museums.