The mosque in Mosul, Iraq where Islamic State founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliphate is believed to be destroyed.
The al-Nuri Great Mosque is believed to have been destroyed by ISIS as the battle for Mosul continues, the New York Times reports. The word was spread in a statement from the Iraqi military.
The mosque, which dates back to the 12th century, was known for its tilting minaret and held a large role in Iraqi culture. The mosque is depicted on Iraq's 10,000 dinar bank note and was a focal point of Mosul's ancient history.
The al-Nuri Great Mosque was located in western Mosul's Old City, not far from the Tigris River.
ISIS had accused the United States of being responsible for the destruction from an airstrike, but Iraqi authorities blame ISIS. The terrorist group is believed to have previously targeted the mosque as part of its long-standing campaign against historical and religious sites.
In 2014, ISIS leader al-Baghdadi, whose own fate is currently unknown, spoke in the mosque and declared a caliphate.