11 Jun 2026
Historic Sculptures Taken from Syria's National Museum Located in Damascus
Historic sculptures and additional items have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.
The theft was noticed on the start of the week, when employees apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been damaged from the inside.
The half-dozen missing pieces were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, one official told the media outlet.
The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to establish the "details surrounding the loss of a collection of items", and that steps had been taken to enhance safeguarding and monitoring systems.
The head of national security in the capital area, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was cited by the government press as saying that law enforcement were probing the robbery, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and unique items".
He noted that museum protectors at the facility and other individuals were being questioned.
The Damascus Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, contains the most important archaeological collection in Syria.
It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the Bronze Age from Ugarit, where evidence of the most ancient complete alphabet was found; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from historical site, a significant historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at Dura Europos.
The museum was forced to close in the early 2010s, twelve months after the start of the internal strife. The majority of the collection was transferred and kept at secure places to safeguard them.
It partially resumed in 2018 and completely reopened in January 2025, a month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.
Every one of the country's cultural landmarks were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.
The militant faction demolished numerous temples and additional edifices at Palmyra, claiming that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the destruction as a war crime.
Countless artefacts were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and collections.