Is it obligatory to destroy statues in Islam, even if they are human and cultural heritage, and why did the Companions not destroy them when they conquered lands?

Religious evidences indicate the obligation to demolish idols, especially those worshipped besides Allah. Scholars have unanimously agreed on the prohibition of ثلاثي الأبعاد images and the obligation to alter them. As for what is said about the Companions leaving idols in the conquered lands, it is mere speculation and illusion, because the idols of the Pharaohs and Phoenicians were either in remote places that the Companions did not reach, or they were not visible inside houses, or they were buried under sand or discovered recently, or the Companions were unable to demolish them due to the difficulty of doing so. Justifying their preservation by claiming they are human heritage is rejected, for forbidden heritage must be removed.