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Ancient statues and other artefacts have been removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, authorities report.

The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when employees apparently found that one of the museum's doors had been broken from the inside.

The half-dozen stolen sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, one official informed the Associated Press.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to establish the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a number of items", and that measures had been enacted to improve 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 authorities were investigating the theft, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and rare collectibles".

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

The Damascus Museum, which was created in the early twentieth century, contains the most important archaeological collection in the country.

It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where indications of the oldest known writing system was discovered; early centuries CE classical statues from Palmyra, among the foremost historical locations of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was built at an ancient location.

The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the start of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the artifacts was transferred and stored at secret locations to safeguard them.

It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, one month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.

Each of the six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or significantly impacted during the conflict.

The Islamic State group destroyed several temples and other structures at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities censured the destruction as a atrocity.

Many artefacts were also destroyed or taken from dig sites and cultural institutions.