Syrian authorities have launched an investigation following the theft of precious artifacts from the National Museum in Damascus. The museum will remain closed to visitors until evidence gathering is complete, an official source familiar with the case told AFP on Wednesday. According to two sources at AFP, the incident occurred on Sunday night into Monday in the classical wing, which is one of the most important sections of Syria's main museum. "Official investigations have begun, and the museum will remain temporarily closed until the completion of evidence collection," the official said, requesting anonymity. "An inventory of all archaeological holdings in the museum's sections is currently underway to ensure no other pieces have been lost," he added. The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Syria stated on Tuesday that it had "coordinated with specialized security bodies to launch an official investigation into the circumstances of the incident involving the loss of some artifacts." The directorate also mentioned that "a series of immediate measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the collections and to reinforce the protection and surveillance system within the museum," without specifying the type or number of stolen items. However, another official from the museum administration, who also requested anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that "the theft was limited to six small statues from the Roman era." Another official had earlier told AFP that "cast gold objects" were among the stolen items.
