Ancient Artifacts Taken from the National Museum in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.
The burglary was discovered on Monday, when employees apparently found that an entrance had been broken from the interior.
The six missing pieces were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, a source stated to the media outlet.
Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to establish the "events surrounding the loss of a collection of exhibits", and that measures had been implemented to improve safeguarding and monitoring systems.
The chief of national security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as saying that authorities were investigating the robbery, which he said had targeted several "archaeological statues and unique items".
He added that security personnel at the museum and other individuals were being questioned.
The cultural institution, which was created in 1919, houses the most important archaeological collection in Syria.
It features historical records dating back to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where indications of the earliest writing system was found; early centuries CE classical statues from Palmyra, among the foremost cultural centres of the historical period; and a ancient Jewish temple that was established at Dura Europos.
The institution was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the artifacts was transferred and kept at secure places to safeguard them.
It reopened partially in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group demolished numerous ancient buildings and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the demolition as a war crime.
Numerous artefacts were also lost or taken from dig sites and museums.