Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today condemned the terrorist group ISIL’s continued assault on religious minorities in Iraq and Syria, including their destruction of artifacts from the ancient Assyrian empire housed inside the Mosul Museum in northern Iraq.

“I am deeply angered and saddened by ISIL’s continued assaults against religious minority groups in Iraq and Syria. ISIL’s rampage has resulted in horrific killings, enslavement and ongoing terror for people across the region.

“Yesterday, the terrorist group added another awful tactic to their already appalling arsenal: destroying ancient relics from the Assyrian empire. As if the killing and terror against the diverse peoples of the Middle East were not enough, ISIL is now attacking their history and culture, depriving children and grandchildren access to invaluable artifacts of their shared heritage.  Despite their campaign of destruction, ISIL must know that destroying artifacts will not destroy faith,” Larsen said.

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