Ancient Sculptures Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable sculptures and additional items have been taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, authorities report.
The burglary was discovered on Monday, when staff reportedly found that a doorway had been broken from the inside.
The half-dozen stolen statues were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, an authority informed the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to establish the "details surrounding the disappearance of a number of exhibits", and that measures had been taken to strengthen protection and observation methods.
The director of domestic security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as declaring that authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He added that guards at the museum and other persons were being questioned.
The National Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, contains the most important archaeological collection in Syria.
It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where indications of the most ancient linguistic system was found; Greco-Roman period classical statues from historical site, one of the most important ancient sites of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was established at another archaeological site.
The facility was forced to close in 2012, a year after the start of the internal strife. The majority of the artifacts was transferred and stored at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and resumed full operations in early this year, one month after opposition groups deposed the Assad regime.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The IS organization destroyed several religious structures and other structures at the ancient city, asserting that they were against their beliefs. International authorities denounced the destruction as a violation.
Countless historical objects were also destroyed or taken from historical locations and collections.
