Security officials in Syria have confirmed that several ancient statues were stolen from the National Museum of Damascus during an overnight break-in, raising concerns about looting and illegal trade of cultural heritage in conflict-affected regions. The missing artifacts, dating back to pre-Islamic periods, were part of the museum’s permanent exhibition and their loss represents a blow to both national identity and global cultural patrimony.
Authorities launched an investigation to trace the items, coordinate with regional law-enforcement agencies and alert UNESCO and Interpol about the theft. The incident underscores the heightened vulnerability of museums in unstable zones, where economic hardship and legacy conflicts often fuel black-market demand for ancient artifacts. Cultural preservation experts warn that such thefts endanger collective memory, complicate repatriation efforts and drain local tourism potential.
