IS militants destroy centuries old ruins at ancient city of Hatra in Iraq

Islamic State (IS) militants have destroyed ruins at the ancient city of Hatra in Iraq, which was founded in the days of the Parthian Empire over 2,000 years ago, said officials.

According to BBC, tourism and antiquities ministry official said that he had received reports that the Unesco world heritage site had been demolished but the extent of damage is not yet clear.

IS jihadis recently bulldozed ruins at the Assyrian city of Nimrud and destroyed various artifacts in Iraqi city of Mosul.

IS justifies its actions saying that shrines and statues are false idols that need to be destroyed.

Hatra is located about 110km south-west of Mosul. It was a fortified city that withstood invasions by the Romans owing to its thick walls reinforced by towers.