Ancient Statues Stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus

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

The theft was found on Monday, when employees apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the inside.

The half-dozen missing pieces were marble creations and originated to the Roman era, an authority told the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been taken to enhance protection and surveillance.

The director of domestic security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as saying that authorities were examining the theft, which he said had affected several "historical artifacts and valuable objects".

He continued that museum protectors at the museum and additional people were being interviewed.

The National Museum, which was created in the early twentieth century, contains the primary historical artifacts in the country.

It features ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where proof of the most ancient linguistic system was found; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from the ancient city, a significant cultural centres of the ancient world; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was built at another archaeological site.

The institution was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the outbreak of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was removed and preserved at secure places to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and returned to normal in early this year, one month after insurgents deposed Syria's former leader.

Each of the six of nationally recognized sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the conflict.

The IS organization blew up numerous ancient buildings and historical sites at the ancient city, claiming that they were un-Islamic. Unesco condemned the demolition as a violation.

Countless cultural items were also damaged or taken from historical locations and cultural institutions.