Islamic State militants have razed the ancient city of Calah, which is known to archaeologists as the capital of the ancient Assyrian state.
Iraq's Ministry of Tourism did not specify what kind of damage has been caused to the ruins and archaeological excavations near the modern town of Nimrud.
According to the department, Islamic State continues to "defy the will of the world and the feelings of humanity", TASS reports.
This ancient city was founded in Mesopotamia in the 13th Century BC during the reign of Ashurnasirpal II (884-859 B.C.E) and became the capital of Assyria. It was destroyed by the Medes and Chaldeans in 612 BC. Modern Nimrud lies about 35 km south-east of Mosul.
