Valuable Sculptures Stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Historic sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, officials say.

The theft was discovered on the start of the week, when museum workers reportedly found that a doorway had been forced from the inside.

The six taken pieces were made of marble and dated back to the Roman period, a source told the media outlet.

The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that steps had been enacted to enhance security and observation methods.

The chief of internal security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the government press 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 facility and other individuals were being questioned.

The National Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the most important cultural treasures in Syria.

It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where indications of the most ancient linguistic system was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, a significant historical locations of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was constructed at Dura Europos.

The museum was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the internal strife. The majority of the holdings was transferred and stored at secure places to safeguard them.

It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after opposition groups deposed Syria's former leader.

Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or partially destroyed during the civil war.

The militant faction demolished numerous ancient buildings and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the demolition as a violation.

Numerous historical objects were also destroyed or stolen from dig sites and museums.