Ancient Sculptures Removed from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and other artefacts have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, sources confirm.
The burglary was found on the start of the week, when museum workers reportedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.
The multiple taken statues were made of marble and dated back to the Roman era, one official informed the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "details surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that measures had been enacted to strengthen safeguarding and surveillance.
The head of national security in Damascus province, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as declaring that law enforcement were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "historical artifacts and rare collectibles".
He continued that guards at the facility and other individuals were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was created in 1919, holds the most important archaeological collection in the country.
It includes historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where indications of the most ancient writing system was discovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, one of the most important ancient sites of the classical era; and a third century synagogue that was constructed at another archaeological site.
The institution was forced to close in 2012, twelve months after the start of the internal strife. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, one month after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.
All six of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or partly ruined during the civil war.
The IS organization blew up several ancient buildings and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization denounced the damage as a war crime.
Many cultural items were also damaged or looted from dig sites and collections.
