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Valuable sculptures and additional items have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, authorities report.

The burglary was found on Monday, when employees allegedly found that a doorway had been damaged from the inside.

The six taken sculptures were crafted from marble and originated to the ancient Roman times, an authority told the news agency.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to establish the "circumstances surrounding the loss of a collection of artifacts", and that actions had been implemented to strengthen protection and surveillance.

The director of internal security in the Damascus region, Brig-Gen Osama Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as stating that authorities were probing the theft, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He added that security personnel at the institution and additional people were being interviewed.

The cultural institution, which was established in the early twentieth century, houses the most important historical artifacts in the country.

It features ancient inscribed tablets dating back to the ancient era from Ugarit, where proof of the most ancient writing system was found; early centuries CE classical statues from historical site, among the foremost historical locations of the historical period; and a ancient religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The facility was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, a year after the start of the internal strife. Most of the artifacts was removed and kept at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and returned to normal in early this year, a month after insurgents removed Syria's former leader.

Every one of nationally recognized sites were damaged or significantly impacted during the internal struggle.

The militant faction blew up multiple religious structures and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were idolatrous. The cultural organization denounced the demolition as a war crime.

Countless historical objects were also lost or stolen from dig sites and museums.