Iraqi teams run into documents from Islamic State’s birthplace

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi relief teams have run into documents belonging to the spot where Islamic State extremists declared their rule in 2014.

Brig. Gen. Kamel Ragi, from a joint team of relief and security forces in the city of Mosul, told AlGhad Press that the team has found “religious books and documents belonging to the Grand Nuri Mosque under the rubble”. He added that “some of the books are of archaeological importance, while documents are essential to the structure’s ownership”.

He said the materials were handed to security forces fearing their loss under wreckage.

The Grand Nuri Mosque was the place where Islamic State supreme leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the establishment of the group’s rule over Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Islamic State militants blew up the medieval structure in June when Iraqi forces became closer to the recapture of Mosul, sparking condemnation from world heritage agencies.

Iraqi troops proclaimed a full recapture of Mosul in July, and a total victory over IS in Iraq in December.