Why is ISIL targeting cultural heritage?

The armed group's destruction of ancient sites in Syria and Iraq is drawing condemnation worldwide.


The latest site ISIL fighters have destroyed is the ancient temple of Baal Shamin in the Syrian city of Palmyra.

The armed group seized Palmyra from government forces in May, fuelling fears that it might destroy its priceless heritage.

It was not the first time the group targeted a cultural site. Back in February, its fighters destroyed the Mosul museum after they seized the Iraqi city last year.