Nimrud was founded in the 13th century BC as part of the Assyrian civilization and lies about 30 km south-east of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, which was captured by ISIS in June. The destruction of archaeological and religious sites has provoked global condemnation.

The head of UNESCO has condemned the destruction of the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in Iraq by the ISIS group, saying it amounted to a "war crime".

A week ago militants attacking ancient statues in the Mosul Museum and destroyed it.

in July it destroyed the Tomb of the Prophet Jonah in Mosul.