Ancient Statues Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.
The robbery was noticed on Monday, when museum workers allegedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.
The multiple stolen sculptures were marble creations and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority informed the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a collection of exhibits", and that actions had been taken to strengthen security and surveillance.
The director of national security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that law enforcement were examining the incident, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and rare collectibles".
He noted that security personnel at the facility and additional people were being questioned.
The National Museum, which was created in 1919, contains the significant historical artifacts in Syria.
It features historical records originating to the ancient era from Ugarit, where evidence of the oldest known writing system was found; Greco-Roman period classical statues from the ancient city, a significant historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was established at another archaeological site.
The institution was forced to close in 2012, twelve months after the beginning of the devastating civil war. The majority of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secret locations to protect them.
It partially resumed in 2018 and returned to normal in January 2025, one month after opposition groups deposed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group blew up numerous temples and historical sites at Palmyra, stating that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization censured the demolition as a violation.
Many cultural items were also destroyed or stolen from dig sites and cultural institutions.
