They regarded such shrines as idolatrous and thus prohibited by their strict interpretation of Islam.

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The militants have attacked Timbuktu's historic tombs and shrines, claiming the relics are idolatrous.

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Earlier this year it began smashing ancient tombs in Timbuktu on the ground that they were idolatrous.

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Islamist militants regard such shrines as idolatrous and thus prohibited by their religion.

CNN: Mali Islamists destroy tombs in Timbuktu

Last year, al Qaeda-linked rebels in northern Mali destroyed historic and religious landmarks in there, claiming such relics are idolatrous.

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Once there they swiftly imposed a harsh regime of Sharia law and organised the destruction of Muslim holy sites they considered idolatrous.

BBC: File picture of Abdelmalik Abou Zeid

It is out of the idolatrous dotings of the old Egyptians upon broiled ibis and roasted river horse, that you see the mummies of those creatures in their huge bake-houses the pyramids.

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