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

The burglary was found on the start of the week, when staff apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the inside.

The half-dozen stolen statues were made of marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, a source informed the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "events surrounding the disappearance of a group of exhibits", and that steps had been taken to enhance protection and monitoring systems.

The chief of domestic security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the official media as saying that security forces were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He continued that museum protectors at the museum and other individuals were being questioned.

The cultural institution, which was established in 1919, houses the primary cultural treasures in the country.

It features historical records originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was discovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD classical statues from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the ancient world; and a ancient Jewish temple that was built at an ancient location.

The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.

It reopened partially in 2018 and completely reopened in January 2025, one month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.

Each of the six of the country's cultural landmarks were affected or significantly impacted during the civil war.

The Islamic State group blew up numerous religious structures and additional edifices at the archaeological site, claiming that they were un-Islamic. Unesco denounced the damage as a war crime.

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