Ancient Sculptures Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when employees reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the inside.
The six missing sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official stated to the news agency.
Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to identify the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a group of items", and that measures had been implemented to improve protection and observation methods.
The director of domestic security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the official media as stating that law enforcement were investigating the robbery, which he said had focused on several "historical artifacts and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the facility and other individuals were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, houses the primary cultural treasures in the country.
It contains clay cuneiform tablets tracing back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where proof of the oldest known linguistic system was discovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from Palmyra, a significant cultural centres of the ancient world; and a third century synagogue that was constructed at an ancient location.
The institution was forced to close in the early 2010s, one year after the start of the internal strife. Most of the holdings was removed and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and returned to normal in early this year, a month after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the conflict.
The Islamic State group blew up numerous temples and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco denounced the demolition as a violation.
Countless cultural items were also damaged or taken from historical locations and cultural institutions.
