Historic Artifacts Removed from the National Museum in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The burglary was found on the start of the week, when museum workers apparently found that a doorway had been broken from the inside.
The six stolen statues were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, a source stated to the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a number of items", and that steps had been enacted to improve protection and surveillance.
The director of national security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that law enforcement were probing the theft, which he said had focused on several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the facility and other individuals were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was created in the early twentieth century, houses the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It features historical records dating back to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where indications of the most ancient complete alphabet was found; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, a significant historical locations of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was built at Dura Europos.
The institution was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the beginning of the internal strife. Most of the collection was evacuated and preserved at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, one month after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.
All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the conflict.
The militant faction demolished numerous religious structures and historical sites at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the destruction as a atrocity.
Countless historical objects were also destroyed or looted from dig sites and museums.
