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Ancient artifacts and other artefacts have been removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, officials say.

The robbery was found on Monday, when museum workers apparently found that a doorway had been forced from the interior.

The multiple missing statues were crafted from marble and originated to the Roman period, one official informed the media outlet.

Cultural heritage officials said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "details surrounding the loss of a number of items", and that steps had been implemented to strengthen safeguarding and monitoring systems.

The head of internal security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that authorities were probing the incident, which he said had affected several "archaeological statues and valuable objects".

He noted that museum protectors at the museum and additional people were being questioned.

The Damascus Museum, which was created in 1919, houses the primary historical artifacts in Syria.

It includes historical records tracing back to the ancient era from Ugarit, where indications of the oldest known linguistic system was uncovered; early centuries CE classical statues from the ancient city, a significant historical locations of the historical period; and a 3rd Century AD religious building that was constructed at another archaeological site.

The institution was had to cease operations in 2012, a year after the start of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and preserved at undisclosed sites to safeguard them.

It partially resumed in 2018 and completely reopened in early this year, a month after rebel forces deposed Syria's former leader.

All six of nationally recognized sites were affected or partly ruined during the internal struggle.

The IS organization destroyed multiple religious structures and historical sites at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities condemned the damage as a war crime.

Many artefacts were also destroyed or stolen from dig sites and cultural institutions.