Authorities in Syria have launched an investigation after six ancient marble statues were reported stolen from the Syrian National Museum in Damascus.

According to the country’s General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums, staff discovered the theft after finding a broken door inside the museum. The missing artifacts are believed to date back to the Roman era and were part of a valuable collection showcasing Syria’s rich cultural history.

Officials say the break-in has raised serious concerns about the security of national heritage sites, especially as the country continues to recover from years of conflict. “The stolen statues are priceless pieces that represent part of Syria’s ancient civilization,” a museum representative said. “Efforts are ongoing to locate and recover them.”

The Directorate has called on the public and international cultural agencies to assist in tracing the artifacts, warning that the items could appear on the illegal antiquities market. Meanwhile, cultural experts fear that the theft could further deplete Syria’s already fragile archaeological heritage, which has suffered significant losses during years of war and smuggling.

The Syrian National Museum, founded in 1919 and located in central Damascus, houses some of the Middle East’s most important archaeological collections, including artifacts from ancient Mesopotamia, Palmyra, and the Roman period.

However, authorities have pledged to tighten security measures and ensure that other historical treasures remain protected.