🔗 Share this article Valuable Sculptures Removed from the National Museum Located in Damascus The National Museum resumed complete operations in the first month of this year, a month after the removal of Syria's former leader. Valuable statues and cultural objects have been taken from the National Museum of Syria in Damascus, authorities report. The robbery was found on Monday, when staff reportedly found that an entrance had been forced from the interior. The half-dozen taken statues were made of marble and traced back to the ancient Roman times, an authority stated to the news agency. Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to identify the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a collection of items", and that steps had been implemented to enhance protection and surveillance. The head of domestic security in the capital area, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the government press as stating that law enforcement were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles". He continued that museum protectors at the museum and other persons were being interrogated. The National Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, houses the primary cultural treasures in Syria. It contains ancient inscribed tablets originating to the ancient era from historical site, where proof of the earliest complete alphabet was uncovered; early centuries CE classical statues from Palmyra, one of the most important ancient sites of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was established at an ancient location. The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the start of the internal strife. Most of the holdings was removed and stored at secure places to ensure their safety. It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, four weeks after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader. Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partly ruined during the conflict. The Islamic State group destroyed multiple temples and historical sites at the ancient city, asserting that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the destruction as a violation. Numerous historical objects were also damaged or taken from historical locations and museums.