Theft of Roman statues from Syria’s main museum believed to be the work of an individual

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Investigators believe that the theft of several ancient statues dating back to the Roman era from Syria’s national museum was likely the work of an individual, not an organized gang, officials said Wednesday.

The National Museum of Damascus was closed after the heist was discovered early Monday. The museum had reopened in January as the country recovers from a 14-year civil war and the fall of the 54-year Assad dynasty last year.