iraq – 2016 in review – part iii

IRAQ 2016 in Review - Part III

IRAQ 2016 in Review

IRAQ 2016 in Review Part III

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January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review1

BATTLE FOR MOSUL BEGINSJanuary 16, 20172Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

January 16, 20173IRAQ - 2016 in Review

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PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Smoke rises from clashes in the east of Mosul during clashes with Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 20174Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

.Iraqi forces deploy in the area of al-Shourah, about 28 miles south of Mosul, as they advance towards the city to retake it from the Islamic State group jihadists on Oct. 17.

The massive and complex military operation will be the largest in Iraq since American troops left in 2011 and, if successful, the biggest blow yet to ISIS.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesJanuary 16, 20175Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

A Peshmerga convoy drives towards a frontline in Khazer on Oct. 17.

Thousands of Iraq's Kurdish peshmerga forces advanced on jihadist-held villages east of Mosul. On the other side of the city, Iraqi forces were advancing from the west and had reached Hamdaniyah, about 100 miles from the city, according to a Joint Operation Command spokesman.

Bram Janssen / APJanuary 16, 20176Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

.Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters hold a position on the top of Mount Zardak on Oct. 17.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement that the operation could take "weeks, possibly longer."

SAFIN HAMED / AFP - Getty ImagesJanuary 16, 20177Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces walk in the east of Mosul during operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 20178Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces are seen in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJanuary 16, 20179Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces gather in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201710Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Smoke rises from clashes in the east of Mosul during clashes with Islamic State militants, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201711Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

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PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016A member of Peshmerga forces sits in the back of the military vehicle in the east of Mosul during operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201712Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201713Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces gather in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJanuary 16, 201714Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201715Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces with western forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201716Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Smoke rises from clashes in the east of Mosul during clashes with Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201717Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016A member from western forces stands with his weapon in the east of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201719Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016Peshmerga forces advance in the east of Mosul to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201720Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review





PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016A car bomb attack is seen in the east of Mosul during clashes with Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201725Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Monday, October 17, 2016A member of Peshmerga forces stands on a military vehicle in the east of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJanuary 16, 201726Oct. 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review





January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review31Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr wave national flags during a demonstration in front of the Turkish Embassy calling for the immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from northern Iraq, in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. Thousands of followers of al-Sadr are demanding the withdrawal of Turkish troops from a base near the northern city of Mosul. Turkey says the troops are training Iraqi fighters to help retake Mosul from the Islamic State group, and that they are there with the permission of the Iraqi government. Baghdad denies it granted permission and has ordered them to withdraw -- a call Ankara has ignored. (AP Photo/Karim Kadim)Oct. 18 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review32Smoke rises as people flee their homes during clashes between Iraqi security forces and members of the Islamic State group fleeing Mosul, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The pace of operations slowed on Tuesday as Iraqi forces began pushing toward larger villages and encountering civilian populations on the second day of a massive operation to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. (AP Photo)Oct. 18 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review33Smoke rises from Islamic state positions after an airstrike by coalition forces in Mosul, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The pace of operations slowed on Tuesday as Iraqi forces began pushing toward larger villages and encountering civilian populations on the second day of a massive operation to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. (AP Photo)Oct. 18 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review34Smoke rises from Islamic state positions after an airstrike by coalition forces in Mosul, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016. The pace of operations slowed on Tuesday as Iraqi forces began pushing toward larger villages and encountering civilian populations on the second day of a massive operation to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul from the Islamic State group. (AP Photo)Oct. 18 , 2016

Iraqi soldiers walk on a road as smoke billows from the Qayyarah area, about 35 miles south of Mosul, on Oct. 19, 2016, during an operation against ISIS to retake the main hub city. In the biggest Iraqi military operation in years, forces have retaken dozens of villages, mostly south and east of Mosul, and are planning multiple assaults for October 20.YASIN AKGUL / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review35

. Iraqi army soldiers man a checkpoint as oil wells burn on the outskirts of Qayyarah, Iraq on Oct. 19, 2016. A senior Iraqi general on Wednesday called on Iraqis fighting for the Islamic State group in Mosul to surrender as a wide-scale operation to retake the militant-held city entered its third day.Marko Drobnjakovic / AP-19Oct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review36

An Iraqi forces M109 self-propelled howitzer fires towards the village of Tall al-Tibah, south of Mosul, on Oct. 19, during an operation against ISIS to retake the main hub city.

Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP - Getty Images-19Oct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review37

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Peshmerga forces stand around a tunnel used by Islamic State militants on the outskirts of Bartila, east of Mosul during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review38

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Displaced people, who are fleeing from clashes in Al-hud village, south of Mosul, head to Qayyarah, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review39

PhotographerReuters TVReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016A still image taken from an Islamic State (IS) video released through the group's Amaq news agency shows an unidentified militant addressing the camera. Video said to be shot in Mosul, Iraq, on October 18, 2016. REUTERS/Reuters TV via Amaq news agencyOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review40MOSUL, Iraq

PhotographerReuters TVReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016A still image taken from an Islamic State (IS) video released through the group's Amaq news agency claims to show militants patrolling the streets of Mosul. Video said to be shot in Mosul, Iraq, on October 18, 2016. REUTERS/Reuters TV via Amaq news agencyOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review41

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Iraqi security forces gesture in Qayyarah, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review42

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Iraqi army personnel ride on a military vehicle in Qayyarah, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review43

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Smoke rises from a bomb taken through the window of a military vehicle in Qayyarah during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review44

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Displaced people who are fleeing from clashes sit at a military vehicle in Qayyarah, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review45

PhotographerHamad I MohammedLocationMID-SEA, Mid-SeaReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016An aviation ordnanceman inspects a bomb on an F/A-18E Super Hornet just before take-off for Mosul, Iraq to provide air-support from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 carrier in Arabia Gulf. REUTERS/Hamad I MohammedOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review46

PhotographerHamad I MohammedLocationMID-SEA, Mid-SeaReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016An F/A-18E Super Hornet takes off for Mosul, Iraq to provide air-support from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower CVN 69 carrier in Arabia Gulf. REUTERS/Hamad I MohammedOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review47

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Peshmerga forces gather on the outskirts of Bartila, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review48

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016A member of the Peshmerga forces inspects homes on the outskirts of Bartila, east of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review49

Iraqi soldiers advance towards the city of Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. A senior Iraqi general on Wednesday called on Iraqis fighting for the Islamic State group in Mosul to surrender as a wide-scale operation to retake the militant-held city entered its third day. (AP Photo)Oct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review50

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationDEBAGA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 19, 2016Women who recently fled the Islamic State's stronghold of Hawija queue to receive food from Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) at the school at Debaga camp, on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 19 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review51

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review52An Iraqi army soldier stands next to a dead body of an Islamic State fighter on the outskirts of Qayyarah, Iraq, Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016. A senior Iraqi general on Wednesday called on Iraqis fighting for the Islamic State group in Mosul to surrender as a wide-scale operation to retake the militant-held city entered its third day. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 19 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review53Army soldiers raise their weapons in celebration on the outskirts of Mosul, Iraq, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016. Iraqi special forces charged into the Mosul battle Thursday with a pre-dawn advance on the nearby town held by the Islamic State group, a key part of a multi-pronged assault on eastern approaches to the besieged city. (AP Photo)Oct. 20 , 2016MOSUL, Iraq

PhotographerAri JalalLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Members of the Peshmerga forces are seen inside a military vehicle north of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Ari JalalOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review54

PhotographerHandout .LocationMOSUL, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A still image taken from video shows a British Royal Air Force Typhoon jet using a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a large IS truck-bomb south of Mosul, Iraq. UK Ministry of Defence/Crown Copyright/Handout via REUTERSOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review55

PhotographerHandout .LocationMOSUL, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A still image taken from video shows a blast after a British Royal Air Force Typhoon jet used a Paveway IV guided bomb to destroy a large IS truck-bomb south of Mosul, Iraq. UK Ministry of Defence/Crown CopyrightOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review56

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Smoke rises from a bomb attack south of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review57

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Iraqi security forces stand around a tunnel used by Islamic State militants at Bartila in the east of Mosul during an attack on Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review58

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A member of Iraqi army prays after the liberation of Khalidiya village from Islamic State militants south of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review59

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Civilians are seen after the liberation of Khalidiya village from Islamic State militants, south of Mosul, during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review60

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Islamic State suicide bomber attacks an Iraqi special forces unit with a car bomb during clashes in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review61BARTELLA, IRAQ

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier fires an RPG during clashes with Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review62

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An IED planted by Islamic States fighters explodes in front of Iraqi special forces vehicles in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review63

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers run during clashes in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review64

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Islamic State suicide bomber attacks an Iraqi special forces unit with a car bomb during clashes in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review65

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier fires a rifle during clashes with Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review66

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier fires a cannon at Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review67

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Iraqi journalist reacts after an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked an Iraqi special forces unit with a car bomb during clashes in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review68

Oct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review69

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A mortar round left by Islamic States fighters is seen in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomaseviOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review70




PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A wounded Iraqi special forces soldier walks during clashes with Islamic Sates fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review74


PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers run for cover during clashes with Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review76

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier fires a RPG during clashes with Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review77

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationNAWERAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Smoke rises at Islamic State militants' positions in town of Naweran near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review78

PhotographerHandout .LocationQayyarah, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A U.S. Army M109A6 Paladin self-propelled gun conducts a fire mission in support of the Iraqi security forces push toward Mosul, at Qayyarah West, Iraq in a photo released by the US Army. REUTERS/U.S. Army/Spc. Christopher Brecht/Handout via REUTERSOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review79

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationNAWERAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Peshmerga forces fire an anti-aircraft gun towards Islamic state militants positions in the town of Naweran near Mosul. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review80

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationNAWERAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Peshmerga forces walk towards Islamic State militants' positions in town of Naweran near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review81

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationERBIL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A displaced woman who fled Islamic State militants from Mosul speaks with her husband through a fence at Deepaka camp in the northwest of Erbil, Iraq. According to the woman's husband, he was detained on suspicion of being a member of the Islamic State, and was subsequently freed, but is not allowed inside the camp. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review82

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationERBIL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A displaced boy who is injured by bomb attack in Mosul, poses for picture at Deepaka camp in the northwest of Erbil, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review83

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationERBIL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016Displaced people who fled Islamic State militants from Mosul receive aid at Deepaka camp in the northwest of Erbil, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review84

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationERBIL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 20, 2016A displaced woman who fled from Islamic State militants in Mosul holds her baby at Deepaka camp in the northwest of Erbil, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 20 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review85

PhotographerHandout .LocationQAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016School desks are seen on the roof of the Romana school as smoke rises near Qayyarah, south of Mosul, Iraq. Ruairidh Villar/Save the Children/Handout via REUTERSOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review86

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi army soldiers keep guard over suspected Islamic State militants at a processing center for displaced people in Qayyara, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review87

Newly displaced people wait to receive food supplies at a processing center for displaced people In Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq on Oct. 21.ZOHRA BENSEMRA / ReutersOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review88

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi army gather after the liberation of a village from Islamic State militants, south of Mosul, as toxic smoke is seen over the area after Islamic State militants set fire to a sulphur factory. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudanOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review89

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016An unexploded mortar round is seen during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review90

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016An armored car damaged by a bomb, which Peshmerga sources say was driven by media, is seen in Targella village near Khaser, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review91

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi army gather after the liberation a village from Islamic State militants, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudanOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review92

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers walk inside a church damaged by Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review93

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers look at Christian religious books inside a church damaged by Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review94

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers search a building located inside a church compound in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review95

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier stands in a Christian cemetery inside a church compound damaged by Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review96

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers pose for a photograph in front of a Islamic States drawing inside a building located inside a church compound in Bartella, east of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review97

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review98Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters clean their weapons outside Bartella, Iraq, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. By Thursday, the Iraqi forces had advanced as far as Bartella, a historically Christian town some nine miles (15 kilometers) from Mosul's outskirts. (AP Photo/ Khalid Mohammed)Oct. 21 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review99Islamic State graffiti that reads: "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah - Islamic State," is seen inside the main church in Bartella, Iraq, Friday, Oct. 21, 2016. By Thursday, the Iraqi forces had advanced as far as Bartella, a historically Christian town some nine miles (15 kilometers) from Mosul's outskirts. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)Oct. 21 , 2016

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Friday, October 21, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldiers waves an Iraqi flag from top of a church damaged by Islamic States fighters in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 21 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review100

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review101PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationBARTELLA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 22, 2016A Christian Iraqi special forces soldier walks in a church in Bartella, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review102PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Saturday, October 22, 2016A man returns to his village after it was liberated from Islamic State militants, south of Mosul in Qayyara, Iraq. The fumes in the background are from oil wells that were set ablaze by Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review103Iraqi refugees who fled Mosul, the last major Iraqi city under the control of ISIS, arrive in the desert area of Rajam al-Saliba on the Iraq-Syria border on Oct. 22, 2016.DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review104Refugees arrive at a camp in the town of Qayyarah, south of Mosul, on Oct. 22.BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review105One of the camps at the Debaka refugee camp, on the outskirts of Erbil, on Oct. 22.AMEL PAIN / EPA-24Oct. 22, 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review106A refugee boy carries blankets following his arrival in the desert area of Rajam al-Saliba on the Iraq-Syria border south of al-Hol in Syria's Hassakeh province on Oct. 22.DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review107. Tents in Debaga refugee camp on Oct. 22.Carl Court / Getty ImagesOct. 22 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review108An Iraqi displaced child, sick with fever, lies down as her relatives, who fled from ISIS held town of Hawija near Kirkuk, receive food at a school building in the Debaka refugee camp on Oct. 22.AMEL PAIN / EPA-24Oct. 22 , 2016

A displaced Iraqi boy holds a pigeon a ta refugee camp in the town of Qayyarah, south of Mosul, as an operation to recapture the city of Mosul from ISIS takes place.

BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-23Oct. 23 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review109

An Iraqi forces member helps a displaced man push a car as they arrive at a refugee camp in the town of Qayyarah, south of Mosul.

BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-23Oct. 23 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review110

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review111Iraqi forces distribute fruits to children in the village of al-Khuwayn, south of Mosul, after recapturing the village from ISIS on Oct. 23.AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review112PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationNAWERAN, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 23, 2016Smoke rises at Islamic State militants' positions in the town of Naweran, near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review113A member of Iraq's elite counterterrorism rings the bell in the church of Saint Shmoni, damaged by Islamic State fighters, in Bartella, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Iraqi forces captured Bartella, around 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Mosul. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review114Weapons belonging to resting members of Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces are placed near a depiction of the Last Supper, damaged by Islamic State fighters, at a house in Bartella, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Iraqi forces captured Bartella, around 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of Mosul. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review115A man tends to a flock of sheep as thick smoke is seen on the horizon in Qayyarah, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Islamic State fighters torched a sulfur plant south of Mosul, sending a cloud of toxic fumes into the air that mingled with oil wells the militants had lit on fire to create a smoke screen. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review116A member of the Iraqi security forces gets medical attention after inhaling sulfur fumes, at a hospital in Qayyarah, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Islamic State fighters torched a sulfur plant south of Mosul, sending a cloud of toxic fumes into the air that mingled with oil wells the militants had lit on fire to create a smoke screen. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review117A boy gets his skin treated for sulfur burns at a hospital in Qayyarah, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Islamic State fighters torched a sulfur plant south of Mosul, sending a cloud of toxic fumes into the air that mingled with oil wells the militants had lit on fire to create a smoke screen. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review118Internally displaced persons sit at a checkpoint as smoke rises from the burning oil wells in Qayyarah, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Mosul, Iraq, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Islamic State fighters torched a sulfur plant south of Mosul, sending a cloud of toxic fumes into the air that mingled with oil wells the militants had lit on fire to create a smoke screen. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review119In this Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016 photo, people watch a burning oil well in Qayyarah, about 31 miles (50 km) south of Mosul, Iraq. In the week since Iraq launched an operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group, its forces have pushed toward the city from the north, east and south, battling the militants in a belt of mostly uninhabited towns and villages. In the heavily mined approaches to the city they met with fierce resistance, as IS unleashed suicide truck bombs, rockets and mortars. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review120PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationNAWERAN, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 23, 2016A Kurdish peshmerga fighter shoots during an operation to attack Islamic State militants in the town of Naweran, near Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 23 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review121. Smoke rises after a U.S. airstrike as the Iraqi army pushes into Topzawa village, near Mosul, on Oct. 24.AHMED JADALLAH / Reuters-24Oct. 24 , 2016


Iraqi forces flash the victory sign as they stand on an infantry fighting vehicle loaded on a truck driving through the Al-Shura area, south of Mosul, on Oct. 24.Iraqi forces advancing on Mosul faced stiff resistance from the Islamic State group Monday, despite the U.S.-led coalition unleashing an unprecedented wave of air strikes to support the week-old offensive. Federal forces and Kurdish peshmerga fighters were moving forward in several areas, AFP correspondents on various fronts said, but the jihadists were hitting back with shelling, sniper fire, suicide car bombs and booby traps.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review123PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationBASHIQA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 24, 2016A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter is seen bloodied following a road side bomb on their vehicle during a battle with Islamic State militants at Topzawa village near Bashiqa, near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review124.Iraqi families displaced by the ongoing operation by Iraqi forces to retake the city of Mosul from ISIS gather in an area near Qayyarah on Oct. 24.

The UN refugee agency is preparing to receive 150,000 Iraqis fleeing fighting around Mosul within the next few days, its chief said.

BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review125Bullet holes are visible in the window a truck driven by Iraqi soldiers as displaced families gather near Qayyarah on Oct. 24.BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review126A displaced woman holds a child near Qayyarah on Oct. 24.BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 24 , 2016


Women and children displaced by the conflict gather near Qayyarah on Oct. 24.The Mosul campaign, which aims to crush the Iraqi half of the caliphate declared by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, may be the biggest battle yet in the 13 years of turmoil triggered by the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, and could require a massive humanitarian relief operation.Some 1.5 million residents remain in the city and worst-case forecasts see up to a million being uprooted, according to the United Nations. U.N. aid agencies said the fighting has so far forced about 6,000 to flee their homes.

BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review128Displaced Iraqi families gather near Qayyarah on Oct. 24.BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty Images-24Oct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review129Oct. 24 , 2016






January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review135A girl sits on a pile of mattresses at a camp for displaced families in Dibaga, near Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. The campaign to retake Mosul comes after months of planning and involves more than 25,000 Iraqi troops, Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters and state-sanctioned Shiite militias. It is expected to take weeks, if not months, to drive Islamic State militants out of Iraq's second largest city, which is still home to more than a million people. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 24 , 2016

January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review136People gather as aid is being distributed at a camp for displaced families in Dibaga, near Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. The campaign to retake Mosul comes after months of planning and involves more than 25,000 Iraqi troops, Kurdish forces, Sunni tribal fighters and state-sanctioned Shiite militias. It is expected to take weeks, if not months, to drive Islamic State militants out of Iraq's second largest city, which is still home to more than a million people. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 24 , 2016

PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationBASHIQA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 24, 2016A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter aims to fire during a battle with Islamic State militants at Topzawa village, near Bashiqa, near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 24 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review137

PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationBASHIQA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 24, 2016The wreckage of a Kurdish Peshmerga fighters' vehicle, which was destroyed by a roadside bomb explosion, is seen near a shell during a battle with Islamic State militants at Topzawa village, near Bashiqa, near Mosul. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 24 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review138

PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationBASHIQA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 24, 2016Smoke rises after an U.S. airstrike, while the Iraqi army pushes into Topzawa village during the operation against Islamic State militants near Bashiqa, near Mosul, Iraq October 24, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 24 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review139

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016American soldiers are seen at the U.S. army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul October 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review140

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016An American soldier takes his position at the U.S. army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul October 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review141

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016An American soldier is seen inside the U.S. army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul October 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review142

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016American vehicles drive at the U.S. army base in Qayyara, south of Mosul October 25, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review143

.An Iraqi special forces soldier runs as other drive in armored vehicles on a road near Mosul, Iraq.

GORAN TOMASEVIC / ReutersOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review144

An Iraqi refugee who fled Mosul, the last major Iraqi city under the control of the Islamic State group, due to the Iraqi government forces offensive to retake the city, looks to the sky at the UN-run Al-Hol refugee camp in Syria's Hasakeh province. Despite the war that is ravaging Syria and has displaced millions of its residents, the Iraqis are desperate to reach the UN-run Al-Hol refugee camp in Syria's Hasakeh province, where many are still trapped on the border between Iraq and Syria under jihadist fire.DELIL SOULEIMAN / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review145

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationDEBAGA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016A boy sits as fighters who were displaced by Islamic State gather at Debaga camp on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq, before heading to the front line for the Mosul offensive against the group. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review146

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationHASSAN SHAM, IRAQReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016Internally displaced children sit in a car near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review147

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationDEBAGA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016Fighters gather at Debaga camp on the outskirts of Erbil, before heading to the front line for the Mosul offensive. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review148

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationMOSUL, IRAQReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers looks at a destroyed Islamic State vehicle in a village near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review149

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 25, 2016A newly displaced woman runs after she jumped over a back wall and rushed to grab humanitarian packages, as smoke rises from a burning oil refinery at a processing centre in Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review150

Mideast IraqA handcuffed suspected Islamic State militant sits outside his house as Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces fight against Islamic State militants, in the village of Tob Zawa, about 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Mosul, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State fighters for a third day in a remote western town far from Mosul on Tuesday, but the U.S.-led coalition insisted the latest in a series of "spoiler attacks" had not forced it to divert resources from the fight to retake Iraq's second-largest city. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)Oct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review151

Mideast IraqSoldiers give the first aid to a boy injured during the clashes between Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces and Islamic State militia in the village of Tob Zawa, about 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Mosul, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016. Iraqi forces battled Islamic State fighters for a third day in a remote western town far from Mosul on Tuesday, but the U.S.-led coalition insisted the latest in a series of "spoiler attacks" had not forced it to divert resources from the fight to retake Iraq's second-largest city. (AP Photo/Qassim Abdul-Zahra)Oct. 25 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review152

An Iraqi Federal Police vehicle passes through a checkpoint in Qayara, some 50 kilometers south of Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016. Islamic State militants have been going door to door in farming communities south of Mosul, ordering people at gunpoint to follow them north into the city and apparently using them as human shields as they retreat from Iraqi forces. Witnesses to the forced evacuation describe scenes of chaos as hundreds of people were driven north across the Ninevah plains and into the heavily-fortified city, where the extremists are believed to be preparing for a climactic showdown. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)Oct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review153

Iraqi army soldiers rest at a checkpoint in Qayara, some 30 miles south of Mosul, Iraq.

ISIS militants have been going door to door in farming communities south of Mosul, ordering people at gunpoint to follow them north into the city and apparently using them as human shields as they retreat from Iraqi forces. Witnesses to the forced evacuation describe scenes of chaos as hundreds of people were driven north across the Ninevah plains and into the heavily-fortified city, where the extremists are believed to be preparing for a climactic showdown.

Marko Drobnjakovic / APOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review154

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Federal police forces launch a rocket during clashes with Islamic State militants in south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review155

.Displaced Iraqis who recently fled the city of Mosul greet relatives who fled two years ago at the refugee camp in the Khazer area, near the Kurdish checkpoint of Aksi Kalak, some 25 miles east of Irbil, Iraq.Lise Grande, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, said the military operations to retake Mosul from ISIS could spark the largest humanitarian crisis in 2016 as the security situation in the area restrains aid agencies' ability to deliver help.BULENT KILIC / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review156

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A detained man accused of being an Islamic State fighter sits in front of newly displaced men near a check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review157

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Iraqi security forces take part in an operation against Islamic State militants in south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review158

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBAZGIRTAN, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier waves to a group of newly trained police formed from people displaced by Islamic State militants, as the group sits on a truck bound for the frontline of the Mosul offensive against Islamic State, near Bazgirtan. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review159

PhotographerAri JalalLocationNAWARAN, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Displaced people who are fleeing from clashes in Nawaran north of Mosul during an operation to attack Islamic State militants, Iraq. REUTERS/Ari JalalOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review160

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A federal police forces member uses a drone during an operation against Islamic State militants in Qayyara, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review161

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Newly displaced men sit at a check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review162

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Newly displaced people sit at check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review163

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A newly displaced boy cries as an Iraqi soldier loads him onto a truck at check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review164

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A newly displaced woman carries her child at a check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review165

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016An Iraqi soldier stands in front of newly displaced people at check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review166

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Federal police forces drive military vehicles during an operation against Islamic State militants in Qayyara, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review167

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Federal police forces take part in an operation against Islamic State militants in south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review168

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A view of Al Khazar camps for newly internally displaced people near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review169

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016An internally displaced man carries his child upon his arrival at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review170

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016Newly internally displaced boys carry mattresses upon their arrival at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review171

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A newly internally displaced man is seen at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review172

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBazwaia, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier is seen inside a tunnel used by Islamic State militants in Bazwaia, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review173

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBazwaia, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier looks inside the entrance of a tunnel used by Islamic State militants inside a restaurant in Bazwaia, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review174

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBazwaia, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier walks inside a tunnel used by Islamic State militants in Bazwaia, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review175


PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBARTALLA, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier climbs down into a tunnel used by Islamic State militants inside a house in Bartalla, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review177


PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBAZWAYA, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier checks detonation devices at a factory used by Islamic State militants to manufacture home made bombs in Bazwaya, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review179

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBazwaia, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016Iraqi special forces soldiers are seen inside a tunnel used by Islamic State militants in Bazwaia, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review180

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBAZWAYA, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier stands in a factory used by Islamic State militants to manufacture home made bombs in Bazwaya, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review181


PhotographerAri JalalLocationNAWARAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter takes a selfie with children after recapturing the Fadiliya village from Islamic state militants, in Nawaran North of Mosul. REUTERS/Air JalalOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review183

PhotographerAri JalalLocationNAWARAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter looks through a Milan missile before recapturing from Islamic state militants the Fadiliya village in Nawaran, north of Mosul. REUTERS/Air JalalOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review184

PhotographerAri JalalLocationNAWARAN, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016Smoke raises after Kurdish Peshmerga fighters disabled IEDs and recaptured from Islamic state militants the Fadiliya village in Nawaran, north of Mosul. REUTERS/Air JalalOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review185

Iraq MosulAbdel el Razak Talab carries a gravestone at a graveyard damaged by Islamic State extremists in Qayara, some 31 miles, 50 km, south of Mosul, Iraq, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016. When IS overran Qayara more than two years ago, the extremist group began destroying headstones at the local graveyard, telling residents they were forbidden because they did not exist at the time of the prophet. (AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)-27Oct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review186

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationBARTILLA, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi special forces soldier stands beside graffiti, which reads: "The Islamic State will remain", in Bartilla, east of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review187

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016An Iraqi soldier stands next to a detained man accused of being an Islamic State fighter, at a check point in Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review188

PhotographerHandout .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Thursday, October 27, 2016A French Dassault Rafale jet receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-10 tanker aircraft near Iraq. U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Tyler WoodwardOct. 27 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review189

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Friday, October 28, 2016A Kurdish female Peshmerga soldier carries a newly internally displaced boy as he cries upon his arrival at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 28 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review190

PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationJARBUAH, IraqReuters / Friday, October 28, 2016Ismail, an Iraqi boy who managed to escape from the Islamic State-controlled Jarbuah village near Mosul and arrived at the Kurdish Peshmerga military camp, breaks down in tears while recalling his experience, in Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 28 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review191

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Friday, October 28, 2016Newly internally displaced people sit upon their arrival at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 28 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review192

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationHASAN SHAM, IraqReuters / Friday, October 28, 2016An internally displaced girl is pictured inside a tent at Al Khazar camp near Hassan Sham, east of Mosul. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 28 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review193

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationQAYYARA, IRAQReuters / Wednesday, October 26, 2016A newly displaced young man carries a boy as he walks towards a check point in Qayyara, east of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 26 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review194GALLERY PHOTOS

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationAL-SHURA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 29, 2016A member of Iraqi special forces police runs for cover during clashes with Islamic State fighters in al-Shura, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review195

A member of Iraqi armed forces kisses a local boy after Iraqi forces entered the town of Shura, some 30 kilometers south of Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi troops approaching Mosul from the south advanced into Shura on Saturday after a wave of U.S. led airstrikes and artillery shelling against Islamic State positions inside town.Marko Drobnjakovic / APOct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review196

Popular Mobilization Forces fire artillery during clashes with Islamic State militants south of Mosul.STRINGER / Reuters-29Oct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review197

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationAL-SHURA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 29, 2016Members of Iraqi special police force stand during clashes with Islamic State fighters in al-Shura, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review198

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationAL-SHURA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 29, 2016An Iraqi airforce helicopter fires missiles at Islamic State fighters in al-Shura, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 29, 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review199

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationAL-SHURA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 29, 2016Members of Iraqi special forces police unit fire their weapons at Islamic State fighters in al-Shura, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review200

PhotographerGoran TomasevicLocationAL-SHURA, IRAQReuters / Saturday, October 29, 2016A member of Iraqi special forces police fires rifles during clashes with Islamic State fighters in al-Shura, south of Mosul. REUTERS/Goran TomasevicOct. 29 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review201

.Peshmerga soldiers gather the night before an offensive starts to retake Mosul, near the Ba'ashiqah front line in Iraq on Oct. 19.The Mosul campaign aims to crush the Iraqi half of the caliphate declared by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.Photographer Harry Chun traveled across the front line near Mosul with fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), a Kurdish militant group affiliated with the Peshmerga, as they engaged with ISIS.

Harry ChunHARROWING SCENES FROM THE FRONT LINE AS KURDS BATTLE ISISGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review202

A soldier named Awara sings with fellow PAK fighters the night before the offensive.Awara was killed the next day when the unit was ambushed by ISIS.He was known to have a fine voice and often led other PAK soldiers in song to boost morale.

Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review203

Kurdish Peshmerga soldiers on the night before the offensive.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review204

.Kurdish Peshmerga and Iraqi army soldiers wait to cross the front line on Oct. 20.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review205

Female PAK fighters prepare for the offensive. The PAK unit, though relatively small (about 600 soldiers), includes many woman who are active in combat.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review206

Members of the PAK unit advance toward the first village after crossing the front line.The photographer writes, "the day started out smoothly [with other Peshmerga units] easily taking 4-5 villages without much resistance."Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review207

Helo Remshti, a junior officer for the PAK unit, returns from a meeting with Peshmerga leaders.Remshti lost his arm a few months ago while trying to defuse an IED around Hawija, in the Kirkuk province, where he was based before moving the unit to the Mosul front line.


Ardalan, a PAK soldier, responds as the convoy comes under fire.GALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review209

Awara moves into position as the convoy comes under attack from ISIS fighters.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review210

A PAK soldier rests between bursts of fighting against ISIS.


PAK soldiers rest between bursts of combat.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review212

Awara lays on the ground after being shot in the head. He died on the spot."It was madness with a mixture of crying, more bullets and screaming on the radio asking for enforcement and help."


The PAK unit evacuates its fallen soldier.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review214

Ardalan, another PAK soldier, is treated by fellow soldiers after being shot in the head."Ardalan asked me to step aside so he could position himself to shoot back from where I stood. Still lots of bullets. I looked back to see where the tanks and more armored cars are and the moment I turned around Ardalan got hit and fell. The bullet hit through the top of his head.Three other soldiers dropped their guns to come and aid him resulting in less defense and more intense shooting from ISIS. We all thought Ardalan was also dead as he was was bleeding uncontrollably, but he survived."


Ardalan is evacuated to a temporary base a couple of kilometers away.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review216

The PAK soldiers try to take shelter after moving their fallen soldiers to an armored car.Harry ChunGALLERY PHOTOSJanuary 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review217

A PAK soldier is overcome with emotion as they evacuate the two soldiers.


The sister of Awara, the slain PAK soldier, is held by other mourners during her brother's funeral in the mountains near Irbil, Iraq, on Oct. 26."Many soldiers took a break from the front line to attend [the funeral] but there were still 200 others who remained and continued fighting.The unit and Awara's fellow soldiers asked me to honor his death by sharing the story."PHOTOS: Iraqi Families Flee Mosul as Army Battles ISIS


PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Popular Mobilization Forces launch a rocket during clashes with Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the town of Hammam Al-Alil in south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review220

Shiite fighters from the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) launch missiles on the village of Salmani, south of Mosul during the ongoing battle against ISIS jihadists to liberate the city of Mosul.AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review221

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationAL-SHURA, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Iraqi soldiers pose with the Islamic State flag along a street of the town of al-Shura, which was recaptured from Islamic State (IS) on Saturday, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review222

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationAL-SHURA, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Iraqi soldiers celebrate beside a dead Islamic State fighter's body along a street of the town of al-Shura, which was recaptured from Islamic State. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review223

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationAL-SHURA, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016A chain is attached to the foot of a dead Islamic State fighter's body along a street of the town of al-Shura, which was recaptured from Islamic State on Saturday, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review224

PhotographerZohra BensemraLocationAL-SHURA, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016An Iraqi soldier stands next to a detained man accused of being an Islamic State fighter at a check point in Qayyara, south of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Zohra BensemraOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review225

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Popular Mobilization Forces members walk with their weapons before clashes with Islamic State fighters on the outskirts of the town of Hammam Al-Alil in the south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review226

PhotographerAhmed JadallahLocationQARAQOSH, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Damaged building and military vehicle are seen days after Iraqi forces clashed with Islamic State militants in Qaraqosh, near Mosul. REUTERS/Ahmed JadallahOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review227

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Popular Mobilization Forces members walk with their weapons before clashes with Islamic State fighters on the outskirts of the town of Hammam Al-Alil in south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 30, 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review228

PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 30, 2016Popular Mobilization Forces prepare to launch a mortar during clashes with Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the town of Hammam Al-Alil in the south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerOct. 30 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review229

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationABU JARBOA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 31, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga fighters carry a wheelchair-bound man, Abbas Ali, 42, after he escaped with his wife and four children from the Islamic State-controlled village of Abu Jarboa, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 31 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review230

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationABU JARBOA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 31, 2016Iraqi displaced people walk after they escaped from Islamic State-controlled village of Abu Jarboa, Iraq. Abbas Ali flanked by his four children and wife, they looked behind them to see if any jihadists were still around to carry out their threats of shooting anyone who tried to flee Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 31 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review231

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationABU JARBOA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 31, 2016Wheelchair-bound man, Abbas Ali, 42, cries with relief after escaping with his wife and four children from the Islamic State-controlled village of Abu Jarboa, Iraq. As Ali began to weep again, his wife Bushra, covered from head to toe in black as required by Islamic State, poured water on his head, the only comfort in a dusty desert area not far from another hamlet where 120 jihadists are in control. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 31 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review232

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationABU JARBOA, IraqReuters / Monday, October 31, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga fighters help Iraqi women and children climb over a berm as they were escaping the Islamic State controlled village of Abu Jarboa at the frontline, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 31 , 2016January 16, 2017IRAQ - 2016 in Review233THE ENDIRAQ 2016 in Review Part III

iraq – 2016 in review – part iii

Presentations & Public Speaking