Ancient Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Ancient artifacts and additional items have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.

The theft was found on Monday, when museum workers apparently found that a doorway had been damaged from the inside.

The multiple taken sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, an authority told the news agency.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to identify the "details surrounding the disappearance of a number of artifacts", and that measures had been taken to enhance security and observation methods.

The head of domestic security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that security forces were probing the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".

He noted that security personnel at the museum and other individuals were being interrogated.

The National Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, holds the primary historical artifacts in the country.

It includes historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from historical site, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was discovered; early centuries CE classical statues from historical site, among the foremost ancient sites of the ancient world; and a third century religious building that was constructed at Dura Europos.

The museum was compelled to shut in 2012, a year after the start of the devastating civil war. The majority of the holdings was evacuated and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.

It partially resumed in 2018 and returned to normal in January 2025, one month after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.

All six of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.

The Islamic State group blew up several religious structures and historical sites at the ancient city, claiming that they were idolatrous. Unesco censured the destruction as a violation.

Countless cultural items were also destroyed or stolen from historical locations and collections.