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Historic artifacts and cultural objects have been removed from the National Museum of Syria in the capital, sources confirm.

The theft was discovered on the start of the week, when employees allegedly found that an entrance had been damaged from the inside.

The multiple taken pieces were crafted from marble and dated back to the ancient Roman times, a source stated to the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to determine the "details surrounding the disappearance of a number of artifacts", and that actions had been implemented to strengthen protection and monitoring systems.

The chief of internal security in the Damascus region, General Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as declaring that security forces were examining the incident, which he said had targeted several "ancient sculptures and unique items".

He noted that security personnel at the facility and other persons were being interviewed.

The cultural institution, which was established in 1919, holds the significant cultural treasures in Syria.

It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the ancient era from an ancient city, where proof of the earliest writing system was uncovered; early centuries CE Greco-Roman sculptures from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the classical era; and a third century Jewish temple that was established at an ancient location.

The institution was compelled to shut in the early 2010s, one year after the start of the destructive conflict. A large portion of the holdings was evacuated and preserved at undisclosed sites to ensure their safety.

It reopened partially in recent years and completely reopened in early this year, a month after opposition groups deposed Syria's former leader.

All six of the country's cultural landmarks were harmed or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.

The IS organization blew up multiple religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were idolatrous. Unesco condemned the demolition as a atrocity.

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