Ancient Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Historic artifacts and cultural objects have been removed from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.

The burglary was noticed on the start of the week, when staff allegedly found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.

The multiple stolen sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority stated to the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to establish the "events surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that measures had been taken to improve safeguarding and observation methods.

The head of domestic security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the official media as declaring that security forces were investigating the robbery, which he said had targeted several "archaeological statues and unique items".

He added that guards at the facility and other persons were being questioned.

The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the significant cultural treasures in the country.

It contains historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was discovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, a significant cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was built at Dura Europos.

The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the holdings was evacuated and kept at undisclosed sites to protect them.

It reopened partially in 2018 and returned to normal in January 2025, a month after opposition groups deposed Syria's former leader.

All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the civil war.

The IS organization demolished several temples and historical sites at Palmyra, claiming that they were against their beliefs. International authorities censured the destruction as a atrocity.

Many cultural items were also damaged or looted from archaeological sites and museums.