
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- An ancient 23-foot high Buddha rock carving in northwest Pakistan was damaged by Islamist radicals who tried to destroy it, reports said.
The rock carving is believed to date back to the seventh century, Britain’s Telegraph reported.
The Monday incident, which damaged the upper part of the image located in the Swat district, recalled the Taliban destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas six years ago in Afghanistan.
The BBC quoted eyewitness Shahid Khan as saying the image -- carved into a 130-foot high rock -- suffered only slight damage because it is situated on a steep ridge.
Local archaeologist Pervaiz Shaheen told the BBC the Buddha statue was considered the largest in Asia after the Bamiyan Buddhas.
Pakistani troops have been fighting to contain rising radical violence in the region.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Additional Top News Stories | |
WASHINGTON, May 28 (UPI) --
President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama honor America's war dead Monday, the White House said.
|
'Men in Black' leads U.S. box office ... Michelle Obama, daughters see Beyonce ... Lady Gaga cancels Jakarta gig for security ... Madonna asks for pool at Israel venue ... News from United Press International.
|
To avoid a meltdown in 2006, Ford Motor Co. mortgaged the farm putting up its assets – including its Blue Oval logo, and F-150 pickup and iconic Mustang trademarks – to secure $23.5 billion in credit.
|
Wedding parties told to quiet down ... Jersey falcons put up a squawk ... Man charged in drive-through gun incident ... iCloud sends pics of suspected phone thief ... Watercooler stories from UPI.
|
| Stories | Photos | People | Comments |
View Caption