Valuable Statues Removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus
Historic statues and other artefacts have been removed from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.
The robbery was noticed on the start of the week, when museum workers apparently found that a doorway had been broken from the interior.
The multiple taken sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman era, a source stated to the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a group of items", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and observation methods.
The director of domestic security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as declaring that authorities were examining the theft, which he said had targeted several "historical artifacts and unique items".
He added that museum protectors at the institution and additional people were being interviewed.
The National Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the most important cultural treasures in Syria.
It includes historical records dating back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where indications of the most ancient writing system was discovered; Greco-Roman period classical statues from the ancient city, one of the most important cultural centres of the classical era; and a third century Jewish temple that was established at Dura Europos.
The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the outbreak of the internal strife. Most of the holdings was evacuated and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in 2018 and completely reopened in January 2025, one month after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Each of the six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or partially destroyed during the civil war.
The Islamic State group destroyed numerous temples and other structures at the ancient city, claiming that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the destruction as a violation.
Countless historical objects were also damaged or stolen from historical locations and museums.
