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Ancient statues and other artefacts have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, authorities report.

The theft was noticed on Monday, when museum workers apparently found that an entrance had been damaged from the interior.

The six stolen pieces were made of marble and originated to the Roman period, one official informed the news agency.

Cultural heritage officials said it had launched a probe to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been taken to improve protection and surveillance.

The director of internal security in the capital area, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as stating that authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "historical artifacts and unique items".

He added that security personnel at the facility and other individuals were being questioned.

The Damascus Museum, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the significant archaeological collection in the country.

It includes ancient inscribed tablets originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where proof of the most ancient writing system was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, among the foremost cultural centres of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was established at an ancient location.

The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the outbreak of the devastating civil war. Most of the holdings was evacuated and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.

It reopened partially in recent years and returned to normal in January 2025, four weeks after rebel forces removed the Assad regime.

All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were damaged or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.

The IS organization destroyed several temples and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco denounced the demolition as a atrocity.

Numerous cultural items were also lost or taken from dig sites and cultural institutions.