Thieves Steal Priceless Artifacts from Syrian National Museum

In a concerning incident, thieves have broken into the Syrian National Museum in Damascus and stolen several valuable artifacts. According to officials, the robbery took place overnight on Sunday to Monday, targeting the museum's classical wing which houses priceless relics dating back to antiquity.

The authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the theft and have temporarily closed the museum to the public until the evidence collection is complete. An official inventory is currently underway to ensure no other pieces have been taken.

Reports indicate that six small Roman-era statues depicting the goddess Venus were among the items stolen. Previously, officials had also mentioned that gold ingots were taken during the break-in. The classical wing is considered one of the most important sections of the museum, showcasing artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.

The Syrian antiquities and museums department has stated that they have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety of the remaining collections and have bolstered the protection and monitoring systems within the facility. The museum had previously closed its doors due to looting concerns before reopening in January.