Valuable Sculptures Stolen from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus

Historic statues and additional items have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.

The burglary was found on Monday, when staff allegedly found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.

The half-dozen stolen sculptures were marble creations and originated to the Roman period, an authority informed the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "details surrounding the theft of a collection of items", and that actions had been taken to improve safeguarding and surveillance.

The chief of internal security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that authorities were examining the robbery, which he said had focused on several "archaeological statues and valuable objects".

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

The National Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, contains the most important archaeological collection in the country.

It includes clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where indications of the earliest writing system was discovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from the ancient city, among the foremost historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was built at an ancient location.

The institution was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, twelve months after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the collection was removed and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.

It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in January 2025, a month after insurgents removed Syria's former leader.

Every one of nationally recognized sites were damaged or significantly impacted during the conflict.

The militant faction destroyed numerous temples and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the demolition as a violation.

Many cultural items were also damaged or looted from historical locations and collections.