Historic Artifacts Removed from the National Museum in Damascus

Historic artifacts and other artefacts have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in the capital, sources confirm.

The theft was discovered on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the interior.

The half-dozen stolen sculptures were made of marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official told the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that steps had been enacted to enhance protection and surveillance.

The head of national security in Damascus province, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that security forces were investigating the robbery, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He added that museum protectors at the institution and other persons were being questioned.

The National Museum, which was established in 1919, holds the significant cultural treasures in the country.

It features clay cuneiform tablets originating to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where evidence of the earliest writing system was found; Greco-Roman period ancient art from historical site, one of the most important historical locations of the historical period; and a ancient religious building that was built at another archaeological site.

The facility was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the artifacts was removed and stored at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in 2018 and completely reopened in early this year, a month after rebel forces removed President Bashar al-Assad.

All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.

The militant faction blew up numerous temples and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the destruction as a violation.

Numerous artefacts were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.