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

Valuable artifacts and cultural objects have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report.

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

The multiple stolen pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, a source informed the news agency.

The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a number of items", and that steps had been enacted to enhance security and surveillance.

The chief of domestic security in Damascus province, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the official media as stating that authorities were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and unique items".

He added that guards at the museum and other individuals were being questioned.

The cultural institution, which was created in the early twentieth century, contains the most important archaeological collection in Syria.

It features ancient inscribed tablets dating back to the ancient era from Ugarit, where indications of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD classical statues from historical site, among the foremost cultural centres of the historical period; and a ancient religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. The majority of the holdings was removed and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.

It partially resumed in 2018 and resumed full operations in January 2025, a month after insurgents removed President Bashar al-Assad.

All six of nationally recognized sites were affected or partly ruined during the conflict.

The militant faction destroyed numerous religious structures and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were against their beliefs. Unesco condemned the demolition as a violation.

Many cultural items were also lost or looted from dig sites and collections.