Valuable Sculptures Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable artifacts and cultural objects have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The robbery was found on Monday, when staff allegedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the interior.
The six stolen sculptures were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, a source stated to the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a collection of artifacts", and that measures had been taken to improve protection and monitoring systems.
The head of domestic security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the state-run Sana news agency as declaring that authorities were probing the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".
He noted that museum protectors at the facility and other persons were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, holds the significant cultural treasures in the country.
It features historical records tracing back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where indications of the earliest linguistic system was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, among the foremost ancient sites of the ancient world; and a ancient synagogue that was established at Dura Europos.
The museum was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the outbreak of the internal strife. A large portion of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and completely reopened in early this year, four weeks after opposition groups overthrew Syria's former leader.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The IS organization destroyed numerous ancient buildings and historical sites at the ancient city, stating that they were against their beliefs. Unesco censured the destruction as a war crime.
Many cultural items were also damaged or taken from dig sites and museums.
