Ancient Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, authorities report.
The robbery was noticed on the start of the week, when museum workers allegedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.
The six taken pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman era, an authority informed the Associated Press.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to establish the "details surrounding the theft of a group of items", and that steps had been taken to enhance protection and monitoring systems.
The chief of internal security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the official media as saying that authorities were probing the theft, which he said had affected several "historical artifacts and valuable objects".
He continued that security personnel at the institution and other persons were being interviewed.
The Damascus Museum, which was established in 1919, holds the significant archaeological collection in the country.
It contains ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where evidence of the oldest known complete alphabet was found; 1st and 2nd Century AD classical statues from Palmyra, among the foremost historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was constructed at an ancient location.
The museum was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, twelve months after the start of the destructive conflict. Most of the artifacts was removed and preserved at secret locations to safeguard them.
It partially resumed in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after rebel forces deposed the Assad regime.
Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the civil war.
The IS organization blew up several temples and historical sites at the ancient city, asserting that they were against their beliefs. Unesco censured the destruction as a violation.
Countless historical objects were also damaged or stolen from historical locations and museums.