Salafi Jihadists with a nihilistic mindset and little respect for absolutely anything that doesn't sit with their grossly intolerant ideology. They, the Wahabi and Deobandi sects are a complete menace. The artifacts lost came from far and wide in the Islamic world, but in particular were a rich source for a rather more generous view of African culture and past achievements than is largely seen in the West today.
What was touching was seeing the touching reception given to the 2nd Company of the Foreign Legion Parachute Regiment by the men, women and above all the children. Two corporals were almost in tears, seeing the children's reaction and thinking of their own kids.