Ancient Artifacts Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable statues and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.
The theft was found on the start of the week, when employees apparently found that an entrance had been broken from the interior.
The multiple stolen sculptures were marble creations and dated back to the Roman era, an authority stated to the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "details surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that steps had been taken to enhance security and monitoring systems.
The director of internal security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as declaring that security forces were investigating the theft, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He continued that museum protectors at the museum and other individuals were being interviewed.
The National Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, holds the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It features historical records dating back to the ancient era from historical site, where indications of the oldest known linguistic system was found; early centuries CE classical statues from historical site, one of the most important cultural centres of the classical era; and a ancient religious building that was established at another archaeological site.
The facility was compelled to shut in 2012, a year after the outbreak of the internal strife. A large portion of the artifacts was transferred and preserved at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It began limited operations in recent years and completely reopened in early this year, one month after insurgents overthrew the Assad regime.
All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or partly ruined during the conflict.
The IS organization destroyed several religious structures and other structures at Palmyra, claiming that they were against their beliefs. Unesco censured the demolition as a violation.
Countless artefacts were also damaged or taken from archaeological sites and collections.
