Hatra, an ancient city in Iraq that was classified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage site in 1985 is being destroyed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The destruction is part of the efforts of the caliphate to remove what the extremist Islamic group considers "idolatrous imagery." NBC reports that the ISIS had already destroyed parts of Hatra, located 70 miles south of Mosul, and stolen antiques, according to Iraqi Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Qais Hussein Rashid.

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According to Mamuzi, a Kurdistan Democratic Party local official, ISIS used explosives to blow up buildings, while it uses bulldozers in other sections.

Hatra was built mainly during the 2^nd century. It was the capital of the first Arab kingdom and survived when Rome invaded the city in 116 and 198 AD because of the protection from its thick walls surrounded by towers.

This is the second time that ISIS, notorious for beheading of its captives, has destroyed historical places. The first is Nimrud, a 13^th century BC Assyrian archeological site also south of Mosul. ISIS bulldozed the place, the Iraqi government disclosed on Thursday.

The ministry sought global support in condemning the destruction of the sites, which it described as "a brutal assault on the human heritage. Unless its call is supported by global organizations, the ministry warned "the gang will commit more crimes and violations against the civilization."

UNESCO head Irina Bokova said in a statement on Saturday, "The destruction of Hatra marks a turning point in the appalling strategy of cultural cleansing under way in Iraq," quotes BBC.

TagsISIS, Hatra, UNESCO, Nimrud