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Historic sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, sources confirm.

The theft was noticed on the start of the week, when employees allegedly found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.

The six taken sculptures were marble creations and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority informed the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had launched a probe to establish the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a collection of items", and that steps had been enacted to strengthen protection and surveillance.

The director of domestic security in the capital area, General Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that law enforcement were probing the theft, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He noted that guards at the museum and other persons were being questioned.

The National Museum, which was founded in 1919, houses the significant historical artifacts in Syria.

It features historical records tracing back to the 14th Century BC from Ugarit, where indications of the most ancient writing system was discovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from Palmyra, one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; and a ancient religious building that was built at Dura Europos.

The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. The majority of the collection was evacuated and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and completely reopened in January 2025, four weeks after rebel forces overthrew Syria's former leader.

All six of the country's cultural landmarks were affected or significantly impacted during the conflict.

The militant faction demolished several religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were idolatrous. The cultural organization censured the demolition as a atrocity.

Many historical objects were also lost or stolen from archaeological sites and cultural institutions.