Valuable Sculptures Removed from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.
The theft was noticed on Monday, when museum workers allegedly found that one of the museum's doors had been forced from the interior.
The half-dozen taken sculptures were made of marble and dated back to the Roman period, a source told the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to establish the "details surrounding the disappearance of a group of exhibits", and that measures had been implemented to enhance protection and observation methods.
The chief of domestic security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that security forces were examining the theft, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He continued that security personnel at the museum and other individuals were being questioned.
The National Museum, which was established in 1919, holds the primary archaeological collection in the country.
It includes clay cuneiform tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where evidence of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, among the foremost cultural centres of the historical period; and a third century synagogue that was built at another archaeological site.
The facility was forced to close in the early 2010s, one year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. Most of the holdings was removed and kept at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or significantly impacted during the conflict.
The Islamic State group blew up numerous temples and other structures at the archaeological site, asserting that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the destruction as a atrocity.
Countless historical objects were also damaged or taken from historical locations and museums.
