Valuable Artifacts Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic artifacts and cultural objects have been taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, officials say.
The burglary was noticed on the start of the week, when staff apparently found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.
The half-dozen taken pieces were made of marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, one official stated to the media outlet.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to identify the "events surrounding the theft of a group of items", and that measures had been enacted to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.
The head of domestic security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the official media as saying that authorities were examining the theft, which he said had targeted several "historical artifacts and unique items".
He noted that museum protectors at the institution and other individuals were being interviewed.
The National Museum, which was established in 1919, contains the most important cultural treasures in the country.
It includes ancient inscribed tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the earliest writing system was discovered; Greco-Roman period ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important ancient sites of the classical era; and a ancient religious building that was established at an ancient location.
The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the beginning of the internal strife. Most of the collection was removed and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.
It reopened partially in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, a month after rebel forces deposed President Bashar al-Assad.
Every one of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The Islamic State group blew up several religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were idolatrous. The cultural organization denounced the destruction as a atrocity.
Numerous artefacts were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.
