DAMASCUS – In a surprising twist to an ongoing investigation, authorities suspect that the theft of several ancient Roman-era statues from Syria’s national museum was likely orchestrated by a lone individual rather than an organized criminal group, officials revealed on Wednesday.

The National Museum of Damascus, which had only recently reopened in January as Syria began its recovery from a prolonged 14-year civil war and the subsequent end of the Assad family’s 54-year rule, was abruptly closed following the discovery of the theft early on Monday.

On Wednesday, heightened security was evident at the museum’s central Damascus location, with a police vehicle stationed outside the main entrance and guards vigilantly monitoring the area. The museum remained off-limits to the public due to the ongoing investigation.

Officials from Syria’s Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums reported that significant headway has been made in the investigation, and they anticipate concrete results soon. These officials, who chose to remain anonymous due to restrictions on discussing the case with the media, expressed optimism about the investigation’s outcome. “God willing, we will reach good results,” one remarked.

“God willing we will reach good results,” one of the officials said.

The country’s largest museum houses priceless antiquities. After the civil war started in March 2011, security was improved with metal gates and surveillance cameras, and authorities moved hundreds of artifacts to Damascus from around the country.

The theft angered Damascus residents who said that such acts tarnish the image of the country as it tries to rebuild from a war that left half a million people dead.

“This is not only an aggression on the Syrian state but an aggression on Syrian civilization,” said resident Waddah Khalifeh when asked about the theft. He expressed fears that the thieves might aim to smuggle the statues and sell them abroad.

On Tuesday the Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums said that the theft did not affect activities at the museum and claimed that visitors were visiting the facility as usual.

An AP journalist who tried to enter the museum on Wednesday was told that all sections, including those that are outdoors, were closed because of the investigation.

The museum reopened on Jan. 8, a month after rebels ousted President Bashar Assad, ushering in a new era for the country. Fearful of looting, the museum had briefly closed after a rebel offensive ended five decades of Assad family rule.

The years of conflict had badly affected areas including the historic central town of Palmyra, once held by the Islamic State group. In 2015, IS members destroyed mausoleums in Palmyra’s UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its 2,000-year-old Roman colonnades, other ruins and priceless artifacts.

“I hope that these pieces will be returned because this is good for the new Syria,” said another resident, Hussein Abu al-Kheir, referring to post-Assad Syria.

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Mroue reported from Beirut