Ancient Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic artifacts and additional items have been removed from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.
The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when museum workers allegedly found that an entrance had been broken from the interior.
The multiple taken pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, an authority informed the news agency.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "events surrounding the disappearance of a collection of artifacts", and that steps had been taken to strengthen security and observation methods.
The chief of internal security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as stating that authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".
He continued that security personnel at the museum and other persons were being interviewed.
The cultural institution, which was created in the early twentieth century, holds the most important archaeological collection in the country.
It features clay cuneiform tablets tracing back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where proof of the oldest known linguistic system was found; Greco-Roman period ancient art from Palmyra, one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; and a ancient religious building that was established at Dura Europos.
The institution was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, one year after the outbreak of the internal strife. Most of the holdings was evacuated and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.
It began limited operations in 2018 and completely reopened in early this year, four weeks after opposition groups overthrew Syria's former leader.
Each of the six of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.
The IS organization demolished several ancient buildings and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the demolition as a violation.
Many historical objects were also lost or stolen from historical locations and museums.
