Historic Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, officials say.
The robbery was noticed on Monday, when employees reportedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the interior.
The half-dozen stolen pieces were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, one official told the news agency.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "events surrounding the theft of a group of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to enhance security and observation methods.
The chief of national security in Damascus province, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as stating that security forces were investigating the incident, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".
He added that security personnel at the facility and other persons were being questioned.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the primary cultural treasures in Syria.
It contains ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the ancient era from historical site, where evidence of the most ancient writing system was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, a significant historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was constructed at an ancient location.
The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, twelve months after the beginning of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in early this year, a month after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The militant faction destroyed multiple ancient buildings and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were un-Islamic. International authorities denounced the destruction as a violation.
Countless historical objects were also destroyed or looted from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.
