Historic Statues Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and other artefacts have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, sources confirm.
The robbery was discovered on the start of the week, when employees apparently found that a doorway had been broken from the interior.
The half-dozen missing sculptures were made of marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official informed the Associated Press.
Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a group of exhibits", and that actions had been taken to improve safeguarding and observation methods.
The director of national security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as stating that security forces were investigating the robbery, which he said had targeted several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He added that museum protectors at the facility and other individuals were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the primary archaeological collection in the country.
It includes historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the oldest known writing system was uncovered; Greco-Roman period Greco-Roman sculptures from the ancient city, among the foremost cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was built at an ancient location.
The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the start of the devastating civil war. Most of the holdings was removed and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after opposition groups removed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The militant faction demolished several ancient buildings and other structures at the ancient city, asserting that they were un-Islamic. Unesco censured the demolition as a violation.
Many historical objects were also destroyed or looted from archaeological sites and museums.
