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Ancient sculptures and cultural objects have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.

The burglary was discovered on the start of the week, when staff apparently found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.

The multiple taken statues were marble creations and dated back to the ancient Roman times, an authority informed the media outlet.

The nation's antiquities authority said it had launched a probe to identify the "events surrounding the disappearance of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been implemented to enhance safeguarding and observation methods.

The chief of domestic security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that security forces were probing the theft, which he said had targeted several "historical artifacts and rare collectibles".

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

The National Museum, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the primary archaeological collection in Syria.

It includes ancient inscribed tablets originating to the Bronze Age from historical site, where evidence of the earliest complete alphabet was uncovered; early centuries CE ancient art from historical site, a significant cultural centres of the classical era; and a 3rd Century AD Jewish temple that was constructed at another archaeological site.

The facility was compelled to shut in 2012, one year after the beginning of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and stored at secure places to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and resumed full operations in January 2025, four weeks after rebel forces overthrew the Assad regime.

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

The militant faction demolished multiple religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, claiming that they were un-Islamic. The cultural organization condemned the demolition as a war crime.

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