BAGHDAD, April 13 (UPI) -- The Islamic State destroyed a 2,000-year-old ancient structure near the Iraqi city of Mosul called the Mashqi Gate, also known as the Gate of God.

The Mashqi Gate in the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh dated back to the 7th century B.C. during the rule of Sennacherib, former king of Assyria. Nineveh was once one of the largest cities in the world and is referenced in the Bible.


The Islamic State reportedly used military equipment to destroy the gate. A source from the British Institute for the Study of Iraq confirmed to The Independent that the gate had been attacked.

The militant Islamist group has made a habit of razing and destroying cities, and ancient cultural icons in the territories it acquires. In the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, the Islamic State immediately began demolishing ancient ruins considered among the world's most treasured when it seized control in May last year.

The iconic Temple of Bel, the Arch of Triumph and the Temple of Baalshamin were among structures destroyed by the group identified as a terrorist organization by the United States.

The Iraqi government is in the midst of carrying out a long-term offensive to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State.