The Army was accused of gross insensitivity yesterday for putting up seven mosque-like structures on a firing range.
Muslim leaders said the replicas were used as symbols of danger and reinforced negative stereotypes of Islam.
The fake buildings - complete with green-domed roofs - were installed on the Black Beck range at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.
During training exercises, soldiers are instructed to fire at wooden targets mounted on rails which emerge from behind the ‘mosques’.
Last night, the Ministry of Defence apologised and said it had ‘no intention of offending religious sensibilities’.
But a spokesman said it was crucial that the ‘generic Eastern buildings’ were put up to replicate conditions in Afghanistan ahead of future deployments.
The Bradford Council for Mosques demanded the structures be taken down immediately.
Mohammed Saleem Khan, its chief executive, said their shape and colour made it clear they symbolised Islamic places of worship.
‘It is so obvious. Even a non-Muslim recognised the significance,’ he said. ‘We are trying to achieve unity and cohesion and encourage British Muslims to participate in the Army and we accommodate visits from the Army.
‘But anyone looking at the firing range will think about mosques and Muslims and think about them negatively.’