The site is considered one of the holiest in Iraq, containing the remains of two of the Prophet's descendants

There are fears that the new station will be a target for insurgents; Unesco powerless to protect the World Heritage site

At least 18 shrines have been attacked since last February, says antiquities head

A giant embankment built around the city has reduced attacks on US troops, but may have compromised important sites

Insurgents allegedly staged the attack to prevent US troops using the tower as a vantage point

The US military says “military necessity” takes precedence over the safeguarding of this Islamic landmark