IS video shows ruined artefacts

The Islamic State (IS) group has released a video showing militants using sledgehammers to smash ancient artefacts in Iraq’s northern city of Mosul, describing the relics as idols that must be removed.

The destructions are part of a campaign by IS extremists who have destroyed a number of shrines, including Muslim holy sites, in order to eliminate what they view as heresy.

They are also believed to have sold ancient artefacts on the black market in order to finance their bloody campaign across the region.