Historic Artifacts Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, officials say.
The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when museum workers reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the interior.
The multiple taken pieces were crafted from marble and traced back to the Roman era, a source stated to the media outlet.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had opened an investigation to establish the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been taken to strengthen protection and monitoring systems.
The chief of national security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the official media as stating that law enforcement were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He noted that guards at the institution and other individuals were being interrogated.
The Damascus Museum, which was founded in 1919, houses the primary archaeological collection in Syria.
It features historical records originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where indications of the earliest writing system was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important ancient sites of the classical era; and a third century synagogue that was established at another archaeological site.
The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. The majority of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, one month after insurgents overthrew the Assad regime.
All six of nationally recognized sites were affected or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.
The IS organization destroyed multiple religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were idolatrous. International authorities condemned the demolition as a war crime.
Many cultural items were also damaged or stolen from dig sites and museums.