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Ancient statues and cultural objects have been taken from Syria's National Museum in the capital, officials say.

The robbery was found on Monday, when employees reportedly found that a doorway had been broken from the inside.

The half-dozen missing sculptures were marble creations and originated to the ancient Roman times, one official told the media outlet.

Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said it had opened an investigation to establish the "events surrounding the disappearance of a number of artifacts", and that steps had been implemented to improve protection and surveillance.

The director of internal security in the Damascus region, Security Chief Atkeh, was cited by the government press as stating that authorities were investigating the robbery, which he said had focused on several "ancient sculptures and valuable objects".

He noted that security personnel at the museum and additional people were being interrogated.

The cultural institution, which was founded in the early twentieth century, contains the significant archaeological collection in the country.

It features clay cuneiform tablets dating back to the ancient era from an ancient city, where proof of the oldest known linguistic system was discovered; early centuries CE ancient art from Palmyra, one of the most important historical locations of the classical era; and a third century synagogue that was built at another archaeological site.

The museum was had to cease operations in 2012, twelve months after the beginning of the internal strife. A large portion of the holdings was transferred and kept at secret locations to protect them.

It partially resumed in recent years and resumed full operations in early this year, a month after opposition groups overthrew Syria's former leader.

All six of nationally recognized sites were affected or partially destroyed during the internal struggle.

The militant faction blew up several temples and other structures at the ancient city, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities denounced the damage as a war crime.

Many cultural items were also damaged or taken from dig sites and cultural institutions.