Ancient Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Historic sculptures and other artefacts have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, sources confirm.

The robbery was found on the start of the week, when museum workers allegedly found that an entrance had been forced from the interior.

The six missing sculptures were marble creations and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official stated to the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "events surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been implemented to strengthen security and surveillance.

The chief of national security in Damascus province, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the state-run Sana news agency as declaring that law enforcement were probing the incident, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

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

The National Museum, which was established in 1919, contains the primary cultural treasures in Syria.

It features historical records dating back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the oldest known complete alphabet was discovered; Greco-Roman period ancient art from Palmyra, among the foremost cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was established at another archaeological site.

The institution was forced to close in 2012, one year after the beginning of the devastating civil war. Most of the artifacts was removed and kept at secret locations to protect them.

It reopened partially in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, four weeks after rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.

Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were affected or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.

The militant faction blew up multiple ancient buildings and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were un-Islamic. International authorities condemned the destruction as a war crime.

Many historical objects were also lost or looted from dig sites and museums.