The theft of valuable antiquities from the National Museum in Damascus

The Syrian authorities began an investigation after the theft of valuable antiquities from the National Museum in Damascus, which will keep its doors closed to visitors until evidence is collected, according to what an official following the case told AFP on Wednesday.

The classical wing, which is considered one of the most important sections in the main museum in Syria, was robbed on Sunday night, according to what two sources told AFP on Tuesday.

An official said, requesting anonymity, “Official investigations have begun, and the museum will remain temporarily closed until evidence is completed.”

He added, “An inventory of all archaeological assets is currently being conducted within the museum’s departments to ensure that no other pieces are lost.”

The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Syria said on Tuesday that it had begun “in coordination with the relevant security authorities to open an official investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident of the loss of some exhibits.”

It reported that “a number of immediate measures had been taken to ensure the safety of the collections and to strengthen the protection and surveillance system inside the museum,” without specifying the type or number of stolen pieces.

But an official in the Museums Administration, who also requested to remain anonymous, told AFP on Wednesday that “the thefts were limited to six small-sized statues dating back to the Roman era.”
Another official told Agence France-Presse on Tuesday that among the stolen items were “golden castings.”