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

Ancient artifacts and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, authorities report.

The burglary was found on the start of the week, when museum workers apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the interior.

The six stolen statues were crafted from marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, an authority stated to the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to establish the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a number of items", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.

The director of internal security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the government press as saying that security forces were investigating the robbery, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".

He added that security personnel at the museum and additional people were being questioned.

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

It contains historical records tracing back to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was found; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from Palmyra, one of the most important historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, one year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. Most of the artifacts was transferred and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.

It reopened partially in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, a month after opposition groups deposed the Assad regime.

All six of nationally recognized sites were harmed or partially destroyed during the conflict.

The Islamic State group destroyed several religious structures and additional edifices at Palmyra, asserting that they were against their beliefs. International authorities denounced the destruction as a war crime.

Numerous historical objects were also damaged or looted from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.