Ancient Artifacts Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, officials say.
The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when staff apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been forced from the interior.
The multiple taken pieces were made of marble and dated back to the Roman era, an authority told the news agency.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "events surrounding the loss of a number of items", and that steps had been implemented to strengthen protection and surveillance.
The head of domestic security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as stating that authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".
He continued that guards at the facility and other individuals were being interrogated.
The Damascus Museum, which was established in 1919, contains the most important archaeological collection in the country.
It contains historical records dating back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the oldest known complete alphabet was discovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, one of the most important ancient sites of the classical era; and a ancient religious building that was established at an ancient location.
The museum was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. Most of the artifacts was evacuated and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents deposed the Assad regime.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The IS organization demolished several temples and historical sites at Palmyra, asserting that they were against their beliefs. The cultural organization condemned the damage as a violation.
Numerous historical objects were also damaged or stolen from historical locations and cultural institutions.