Valuable Sculptures Removed from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been removed from Syria's National Museum in the capital, sources confirm.
The robbery was noticed on the start of the week, when museum workers reportedly found that a doorway had been broken from the inside.
The half-dozen missing sculptures were marble creations and traced back to the ancient Roman times, one official told the media outlet.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a group of exhibits", and that steps had been enacted to enhance security and monitoring systems.
The director of national security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as saying that authorities were probing the incident, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the museum and additional people were being questioned.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, houses the most important historical artifacts in the country.
It contains historical records tracing back to the ancient era from historical site, where evidence of the most ancient writing system was found; Greco-Roman period classical statues from historical site, among the foremost ancient sites of the historical period; and a ancient Jewish temple that was built at an ancient location.
The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the beginning of the internal strife. The majority of the collection was removed and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and resumed full operations in the beginning of the year, a month after opposition groups removed the Assad regime.
All six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The Islamic State group blew up several ancient buildings and other structures at the ancient city, asserting that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the damage as a violation.
Many historical objects were also destroyed or stolen from archaeological sites and museums.
