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Valuable statues and additional items have been stolen from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, authorities report.

The burglary was found on the start of the week, when museum workers reportedly found that an entrance had been forced from the inside.

The half-dozen taken pieces were marble creations and originated to the Roman era, one official stated to the Associated Press.

The nation's antiquities authority said it had initiated an inquiry to determine the "circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a number of artifacts", and that actions had been taken to strengthen protection and surveillance.

The director of domestic security in the capital area, Security Chief Atkeh, was quoted by the government press as declaring that law enforcement were examining the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and rare collectibles".

He added that guards at the institution and other persons were being interrogated.

The cultural institution, which was created in the early twentieth century, contains the most important cultural treasures in the country.

It features ancient inscribed tablets tracing back to the Bronze Age from an ancient city, where proof of the earliest writing system was found; early centuries CE ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world; and a third century religious building that was constructed at an ancient location.

The institution was forced to close in 2012, one year after the start of the devastating civil war. The majority of the collection was transferred and kept at secure places to ensure their safety.

It partially resumed in 2018 and returned to normal in the beginning of the year, one month after rebel forces removed the Assad regime.

Each of the six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or partially destroyed during the civil war.

The Islamic State group blew up multiple ancient buildings and additional edifices at Palmyra, stating that they were idolatrous. International authorities denounced the demolition as a violation.

Many historical objects were also lost or taken from archaeological sites and museums.