A new video released by ISIS shows militants destroying ancient buildings in the city of Hatra with sledgehammers and assault rifles. The video was released on Friday, the Associated Press reports. ISIS descended upon the city early last month.

"Islamic State has sent us to these idols to destroy them," one of the militants says, according to the Guardian. "Some of the infidel organisations say the destruction of these alleged artefacts is a war crime," he adds. "We will destroy your artefacts and idols anywhere, and Islamic State will rule your lands."

"Praise to God who enabled us, and the soldiers of Islamic State, to remove the signs of polytheism," another reportedly says.

The video was released even as Iraqi forces pushed ISIS out of Tikrit after a 10-month occupation.

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