Historic Artifacts Stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

Ancient artifacts and other artefacts have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, sources confirm.

The theft was noticed on Monday, when employees apparently found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.

The multiple missing sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, a source informed the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to identify the "events surrounding the loss of a number of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and observation methods.

The director of national security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as stating that authorities were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and rare collectibles".

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

The National Museum, which was created in 1919, holds the most important archaeological collection in Syria.

It includes historical records tracing back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where evidence of the most ancient linguistic system was discovered; early centuries CE classical statues from historical site, one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD synagogue that was established at an ancient location.

The facility was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, a year after the start of the internal strife. Most of the collection was evacuated and stored at secure places to safeguard them.

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 the country's cultural landmarks were affected or partially destroyed during the conflict.

The IS organization destroyed several ancient buildings and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization condemned the destruction as a war crime.

Countless historical objects were also destroyed or looted from historical locations and cultural institutions.