Ancient Statues Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus

Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, sources confirm.

The robbery was noticed on Monday, when museum workers reportedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the interior.

The half-dozen stolen pieces were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, one official told the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to determine the "details surrounding the theft of a number of exhibits", and that measures had been enacted to enhance protection and monitoring systems.

The head of national security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that law enforcement were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".

He added that guards at the institution and additional people were being interrogated.

The cultural institution, which was founded in 1919, houses the most important archaeological collection in the country.

It features historical records originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the earliest complete alphabet was uncovered; Greco-Roman period Greco-Roman sculptures from historical site, a significant historical locations of the ancient world; and a ancient religious building that was constructed at Dura Europos.

The facility was compelled to shut in 2012, twelve months after the beginning of the devastating civil war. The majority of the holdings was removed and preserved at undisclosed sites to protect them.

It began limited operations in 2018 and completely reopened in early this year, a month after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.

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

The Islamic State group destroyed several ancient buildings and additional edifices at Palmyra, claiming that they were idolatrous. International authorities condemned the destruction as a violation.

Countless artefacts were also destroyed or taken from dig sites and cultural institutions.