Fighting for the ruins of Christian Iraq
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
ISIS seized control of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 2,000 years, in May, prompting fears for the site's survival. The Syrian government confirmed ISIS fighters have destroyed two Muslim shrines in the ancient oasis city. It's the latest act of cultural vandalism by the Sunni extremists.
Hide Caption
1 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
ISIS released a propaganda video showing its fighters destroying Iraq's ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in March. The destruction follows other attacks on antiquity carried out by the militant group in Iraq and Syria. The United Nations has described such deliberate cultural destruction as a "war crime."
Hide Caption
2 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
The Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced in March that ISIS had bulldozed the ruins of Nimrud, seen here in 2009.
Hide Caption
3 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
Bas-relief panels from the Palace of Ashurnasirpal II are seen in Nimrud in 2009.
Hide Caption
4 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
This file photo from 2003 shows the ancient ruins of Hatra in Iraq. It is another one of the cultural sites that have reportedly been damaged by ISIS.
Hide Caption
5 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
Bas-reliefs of masks in Hatra
Hide Caption
6 of 12
Photos: Historic sites damaged by ISIS
A statue of the goddess Shamiya, or Shahiro, at Hatra in 2009
Hide Caption
7 of 12