Historic Artifacts Removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Historic sculptures and cultural objects have been removed from Syria's National Museum in the capital, sources confirm.

The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when staff apparently found that an entrance had been forced from the interior.

The six missing sculptures were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, one official stated to the media outlet.

The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to identify the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.

The head of national security in Damascus province, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the official media as stating that authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had targeted several "archaeological statues and unique items".

He noted that security personnel at the museum and additional people were being interviewed.

The National Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the most important cultural treasures in the country.

It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where evidence of the oldest known writing system was discovered; Greco-Roman period ancient art from Palmyra, among the foremost ancient sites of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was established at Dura Europos.

The facility was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the beginning of the internal strife. The majority of the collection was removed and stored at secure places to safeguard them.

It partially resumed in recent years and completely reopened in the beginning of the year, one month after insurgents removed President Bashar al-Assad.

Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.

The militant faction demolished numerous temples and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities censured the destruction as a atrocity.

Countless historical objects were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and museums.