Historic Artifacts Stolen from the National Museum Located in Damascus
Valuable sculptures and other artefacts have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, sources confirm.
The theft was found on Monday, when staff reportedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.
The multiple taken pieces were crafted from marble and traced back to the ancient Roman times, a source informed the media outlet.
Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "details surrounding the theft of a group of artifacts", and that measures had been implemented to improve protection and observation methods.
The head of national security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was referenced by the official media as saying that law enforcement were examining the incident, which he said had focused on several "historical artifacts and unique items".
He noted that guards at the institution and other individuals were being questioned.
The National Museum, which was created in 1919, houses the most important historical artifacts in Syria.
It features historical records dating back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where evidence of the earliest writing system was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the classical era; and a third century synagogue that was built at Dura Europos.
The institution was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. The majority of the artifacts was removed and kept at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.
It partially resumed in recent years and resumed full operations in early this year, four weeks after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.
Every one of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were harmed or significantly impacted during the civil war.
The IS organization destroyed several ancient buildings and other structures at the archaeological site, asserting that they were against their beliefs. International authorities censured the damage as a war crime.
Many artefacts were also lost or looted from historical locations and museums.
