UN chief asks world to save antiquities

Government minister requests assistance as nation tries to protect ancient city of Hatra from IS destruction

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the international community on Sunday to halt the destruction by Islamic State jihadists of Iraqi archaeological sites, branding the smashing of priceless and ancient artifacts a "war crime".

Ban's comments came hours after Iraq's tourism and antiquities minister called on the US-led coalition carrying out airstrikes against the militants to try to protect the sites, stating: "We request aerial support."