Historic Statues Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, officials say.
The robbery was discovered on the start of the week, when employees allegedly found that an entrance had been broken from the inside.
The half-dozen stolen sculptures were marble creations and traced back to the Roman period, an authority stated to the Associated Press.
Cultural heritage officials said it had opened an investigation to establish the "events surrounding the loss of a collection of exhibits", and that actions had been taken to enhance protection and surveillance.
The chief of internal security in Damascus province, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as declaring that law enforcement were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".
He added that guards at the institution and other individuals were being interrogated.
The Damascus Museum, which was established in 1919, holds the significant historical artifacts in Syria.
It includes historical records originating to the ancient era from an ancient city, where proof of the most ancient complete alphabet was discovered; Greco-Roman period classical statues from Palmyra, a significant historical locations of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was established at an ancient location.
The institution was forced to close in 2012, a year after the start of the destructive conflict. The majority of the holdings was transferred and kept at secret locations to protect them.
It partially resumed in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.
Each of the six of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The militant faction blew up numerous ancient buildings and additional edifices at the ancient city, claiming that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization censured the destruction as a violation.
Numerous cultural items were also lost or looted from archaeological sites and museums.
