Historic Artifacts Taken from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The theft was found on the start of the week, when museum workers apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.
The half-dozen missing sculptures were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, one official told the Associated Press.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to identify the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a group of exhibits", and that actions had been implemented to strengthen protection and surveillance.
The head of domestic security in Damascus province, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was cited by the official media as stating that authorities were probing the robbery, which he said had targeted several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He continued that guards at the institution and other individuals were being interrogated.
The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, contains the most important cultural treasures in Syria.
It includes clay cuneiform tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where evidence of the most ancient complete alphabet was discovered; Greco-Roman period ancient art from Palmyra, one of the most important historical locations of the historical period; and a third century synagogue that was constructed at an ancient location.
The museum was forced to close in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the internal strife. A large portion of the artifacts was evacuated and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, a month after rebel forces removed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were affected or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group blew up multiple religious structures and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were un-Islamic. Unesco condemned the damage as a war crime.
Numerous historical objects were also destroyed or taken from historical locations and collections.
