Thieves have stolen ancient Roman-era statues from the national museum in Syria

DAMASCUS – Thieves have stolen several ancient statues dating back to the Roman era from the national museum in the Syrian capital, leading to temporary closure of the facility, two officials from the country’s antiquities department said Tuesday.

The daring theft in the classical department of the National Museum of Damascus comes as the country is reeling from the 14-year civil war and the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule last year.

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The museum in central Damascus, the country’s largest, houses invaluable antiquities dating back to Syria’s long history. After the war started, security was boosted with metal gates and surveillance cameras.

Two officials from Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums confirmed the theft when contacted by The Associ