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

Valuable sculptures and additional items have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, officials say.

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

The half-dozen missing pieces were crafted from marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, a source told the Associated Press.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to identify the "details surrounding the loss of a collection of exhibits", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and surveillance.

The chief of domestic security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was cited by the official media as saying that law enforcement were examining the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He added that museum protectors at the institution and other individuals were being interviewed.

The National Museum, which was founded in 1919, houses the primary archaeological collection in the country.

It features ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the Bronze Age from historical site, where evidence of the oldest known linguistic system was uncovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD classical statues from the ancient city, among the foremost historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The facility was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the internal strife. The majority of the artifacts was removed and stored at secret locations to protect them.

It reopened partially in 2018 and completely reopened in January 2025, one month after insurgents deposed President Bashar al-Assad.

All six of nationally recognized sites were affected or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.

The militant faction destroyed several religious structures and additional edifices at the ancient city, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the damage as a violation.

Numerous artefacts were also lost or looted from historical locations and collections.