DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Thieves broke into Syria 's national museum and stole several ancient statues dating back to the Roman era, officials said Tuesday.

The National Museum of Damascus was briefly closed after the heist was discovered early Monday. The museum had reopened in January as the country was recovering from a 14-year civil war and the fall of the 54-year Assad family rule last year.

The country’s largest museum houses priceless antiquities. After the civil war started in March 2011, security was improved with metal gates and surveillance cameras, and authorities moved hundreds of artifacts to Damascus from around the country.

An official from Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums told The Associated Press that six marble statues were stolen, and that an

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