Iraq says Islamic State militants bulldozed historic Nimrud site

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says Islamic State militants “bulldozed” the Nimrud archaeological site near the northern city of Mosul using heavy military vehicles.

The statement, posted on the ministry’s Facebook page Thursday, does not elaborate on the extent of the damage, saying only that the group continues to “defy the will of the world and the feelings of humanity” with this latest act.

Nimrud is an ancient Assyrian archaeological site located just south of Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul, which has been under militant control since June. The Islamic State militants have attacked other archaeological and religious sites, claiming that they promote apostasy.