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  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Father Ignatius Offy, a Christian priest, examines a priest's stole, recovered from the Islamic State vandalised Christian academy in the town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Much of the academy was burnt, including its library, during the Islamic State's two year occupation of the town.<br />
<br />
Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_24_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Albu Saif, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 attack helicopter fires unguided rockets into the village of Albu Saif as Iraqi security forces continue with the offensive to retake western Mosul from Islamic State forces.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_09_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Albu Saif, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 attack helicopter fires 30mm canon rounds into the village of Albu Saif as Iraqi security forces continue with the offensive to retake western Mosul from Islamic State forces.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_11_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A peshmerga T-55 tank points its gun toward Islamic State held positions as Kurdish forces carry out an operation to retake the ISIS held town of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_14_MCR.CR2
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/09/2015. Bashiqa, Iraq. Illuminated sections of the ISIS held Iraqi town of Bashiqa, and the distant lights of Mosul, are seen from peshmerga positions on Bashiqa Mountain, Iraq. The Islamic State leaves certain parts of Bashiqa town illuminated in an attempt to coax coalition airstrikes in to areas of the town away from their positions.<br />
<br />
Bashiqa Mountain, towering over the town of the same name, is now a heavily fortified front line. Kurdish peshmerga, having withdrawn to the mountain after the August 2014 ISIS offensive, now watch over Islamic State held territory from their sandbagged high-ground positions. Regular exchanges of fire take place between the Kurds and the Islamic militants with the occupied Iraqi city of Mosul forming the backdrop.<br />
<br />
The town of Bashiqa, a formerly mixed town that had a population of Yazidi, Kurd, Arab and Shabak, now lies empty apart from insurgents. Along with several other urban sprawls the town forms one of the gateways to Iraq's second largest city that will need to be dealt with should the Kurds be called to advance on Mosul. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BASHIQA_16_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Albu Saif, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 attack helicopter fires its 30mm canon into the village of Albu Saif as Iraqi security forces continue with the offensive to retake western Mosul from Islamic State forces.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_10_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Abu Saif, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 Havoc fires rockets at Islamic State positions in Albu Saif during the West Mosul Offensive as it supports Iraqi troops fighting in the city.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_01_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/09/2015. Bashiqa, Iraq. Lights coming from Islamic State held Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, are seen from Kurdish peshmerga defensive positions on Bashiqa Mountain.<br />
<br />
Bashiqa Mountain, towering over the town of the same name, is now a heavily fortified front line. Kurdish peshmerga, having withdrawn to the mountain after the August 2014 ISIS offensive, now watch over Islamic State held territory from their sandbagged high-ground positions. Regular exchanges of fire take place between the Kurds and the Islamic militants with the occupied Iraqi city of Mosul forming the backdrop.<br />
<br />
The town of Bashiqa, a formerly mixed town that had a population of Yazidi, Kurd, Arab and Shabak, now lies empty apart from insurgents. Along with several other urban sprawls the town forms one of the gateways to Iraq's second largest city that will need to be dealt with should the Kurds be called to advance on Mosul. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BASHIQA_10_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/09/2015. Bashiqa, Iraq. Islamic State held territory, including Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, is seen from Kurdish peshmerga defensive positions on Bashiqa Mountain.<br />
<br />
Bashiqa Mountain, towering over the town of the same name, is now a heavily fortified front line. Kurdish peshmerga, having withdrawn to the mountain after the August 2014 ISIS offensive, now watch over Islamic State held territory from their sandbagged high-ground positions. Regular exchanges of fire take place between the Kurds and the Islamic militants with the occupied Iraqi city of Mosul forming the backdrop.<br />
<br />
The town of Bashiqa, a formerly mixed town that had a population of Yazidi, Kurd, Arab and Shabak, now lies empty apart from insurgents. Along with several other urban sprawls the town forms one of the gateways to Iraq's second largest city that will need to be dealt with should the Kurds be called to advance on Mosul. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BASHIQA_09_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 28/09/2014. Rabia, Iraq. A view of ground held by Islamic State insurgents is seen from a Syrian-Kurdish position in the Iraqi border town of Rabia.<br />
<br />
Facing each other across the Iraq-Syria border, the towns of Al-Yarubiyah, Syria, and Rabia, Iraq, were taken by Islamic State insurgents in August 2014. Since then The town of Al-Yarubiyah and parts of Rabia have been re-taken by fighters from the Syrian Kurdish YPG. At present the situation in the towns is static, but with large exchanges of sniper and heavy machine gun fire as well as mortars and rocket propelled grenades, recently occasional close quarter fighting has taken place as either side tests the defences of the other. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_RABIA_20_MCR.jpg
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 11/12/2014. Sinjar Mountains, Iraq. Yazidi refugees, stranded after being surrounded by Islamic State insurgents, are seen on Mount Sinjar.<br />
<br />
Although a well publicised exodus of Yazidi refugees took place from Mount Sinjar in August 2014 many still remain on top of the 75 km long ridge-line, with estimates varying from 2000-8000 people, after a corridor kept open by Syrian-Kurdish YPG fighters collapsed during an Islamic State offensive. The mountain is now surrounded on all sides with winter closing in, the only chance of escape or supply being by Iraqi Air Force helicopters. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_SINJAR01_05_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 11/12/2014. Sinjar Mountains, Iraq. Tents belonging to Yazidi refugees, stranded after being surrounded by Islamic State insurgents, are seen on Mount Sinjar.<br />
<br />
Although a well publicised exodus of Yazidi refugees took place from Mount Sinjar in August 2014 many still remain on top of the 75 km long ridge-line, with estimates varying from 2000-8000 people, after a corridor kept open by Syrian-Kurdish YPG fighters collapsed during an Islamic State offensive. The mountain is now surrounded on all sides with winter closing in, the only chance of escape or supply being by Iraqi Air Force helicopters. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_SINJAR01_23_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 11/12/2014. Sinjar Mountains, Iraq. Yazidi refugees, stranded after being surrounded by Islamic State insurgents, are seen on Mount Sinjar.<br />
<br />
Although a well publicised exodus of Yazidi refugees took place from Mount Sinjar in August 2014 many still remain on top of the 75 km long ridge-line, with estimates varying from 2000-8000 people, after a corridor kept open by Syrian-Kurdish YPG fighters collapsed during an Islamic State offensive. The mountain is now surrounded on all sides with winter closing in, the only chance of escape or supply being by Iraqi Air Force helicopters. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_SINJAR01_16_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Smoke from a coalition airstrike rises over the town of Tiskharab near Mosul, Iraq, during an operation to retake the Islamic State held town of Bashiqa today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_37_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A peshmerga fighter looks towards a large explosion, possibly from a coalition airstrike, during a offensive to retake the Islamic State held city of Bashiqa, Iraq, today {(date}).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_32_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga rest after taking up defensive positions along an Islamic State constructed berm during an offensive to retake the ISIS held town of Bashiqa, near Mosul, Iraq today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_29_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga forces move along an ISIS dug trench as take part in an offensive to retake the area around the Islamic State held city of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_28_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Peshmerga fighters watch as colleagues fight to retake the ISIS held town of Tiskharab,Iraq , close to Mosul, during an operation to retake areas around the town of Bashiqa from the Islamic State today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_26_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Smoke obscures a Kurdish T-55 tank after firing at ISIS held positions as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_21_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish T-55 tank advances as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_18_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Peshmerga fighters sit on an armoured Humvee mounting a MILAN anti-tank guided weapon system as they advance toward ISIS positions during an offensive to retake the Islamic State held town of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_15_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish T-55 tank advances as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_10_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga machine gunner hunkers down in the turret of his armoured Humvee as he takes part in a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_08_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga tank crewman uses binoculars to look for targets during part of a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_09_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Four Kurdish peshmerga fighters advance along a road at the beginning of a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area, and eventually Mosul, from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_06_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Peshmerga fighters look towards the burning town of Tiskharab, where Kurdish colleagues are clearing out Islamic State positions during an operation to retake the ISIS held town of Bashiqa Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_35_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Peshmerga fighter looks towards the burning town of Tiskharab, where colleagues are clearing out Islamic State positions during an operation to retake the ISIS held town of Bashiqa Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_33_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga fighter fires a PKM machine gun at Islamic State positions during an offensive to retake a large area around the ISIS held town of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_34_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga fighter fires a PKM machine gun at Islamic State positions during an offensive to retake a large area around the ISIS held town of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_31_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga fighter fires his M16 assault rifle at nearby Islamic State positions during an offensive to retake a large area around the ISIS held town of Bashiqa, Iraq, today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_30_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. An Islamic State mortar lands behind peshmerga forces as they retake the ISIS held town of Tiskharab, close to Bashiqa Iraq today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_27_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A peshmerga gunner fires a heavy machine gun at ISIS positions as Kurdish forces start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_22_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish T-55 tank advances as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_20_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Smoke obscures a Kurdish T-55 tank after firing at ISIS held positions as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_19_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Three Kurdish T-55 tanks advances as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_17_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga engineers use an armoured bulldozer to clear a path as an Islamic State held village burns from coalition airstrikes during a large offensive to retake ISIS held areas near Bashiqa Iraq today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_16_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish T-55 tank advances as peshmerga fighters start a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_13_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. The commander of a Kurdish armoured personnel carrier flashes a V for victory sign as peshmerga fighters launch an offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_11_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A peshmerga fighter  takes a cigarette break in a dry field as Kurdish forces launch an offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_12_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga machine gunner takes a selfie with the Kurdish flag on the turret of his armoured Humvee as he takes part in a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_07_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. A Kurdish peshmerga fighter flashes a V for victory sign as he and his colleagues drive forward to take start part of an offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_04_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga fighters advance at the beginning of a large offensive to retake the Bashiqa area from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_05_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga fighters stand for a group photo taken by a colleague as they wait for the start of a joint Iraqi Army and peshmerga operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016).<br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_03_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Pickup trucks and armoured vehicles belonging to Iraqi-Kurdish peshmerga fighters queue as they begin to drive into no-mans land as part of an operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016). <br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_01_MCR.JPG
  • 20/10/2016. Bashiqa, Iraq. Pickup trucks and armoured vehicles belonging to Iraqi-Kurdish peshmerga fighters queue as they begin to drive into no-mans land as part of an operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants today (20/10/2016). <br />
<br />
Launched in the early hours of today with support from coalition special forces and air strikes, the attack is part of the larger operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, and involves both the Kurds and the Iraqi Army. The city of Bashiqa, around 9 miles north of Mosul, is one of several gateway areas that must be taken before any attempted offensive on Mosul itself.<br />
<br />
Despite the peshmerga suffering several casualties after militants fought back using mortars, heavy machine guns and snipers, the Kurdish forces were quickly taking ground with Haider al-Abadi, the Iraqi prime minister, stating that the operation to retake Mosul was progressing faster than expected. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_PESH_02_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. A volunteer medic, working with the Iraqi Army, tends to an injured elderly Mosul resident, recently escaped from Islamic State territory, as troops prepare to evacuate her in an armoured Humvee.<br />
<br />
Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Year_Review_8.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An elderly Mosul resident sits on the roof of an Iraqi Army Humvee after being ferried to safety across open ground watched by Islamic State snipers.<br />
<br />
Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_04_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An elderly Mosul resident sits on the roof of an Iraqi Army Humvee after being ferried to safety across open ground watched by Islamic State snipers.<br />
<br />
Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_05_MCR.JPG
  • 26/03/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 Havoc fires rockets at Islamic State positions in West Mosul as it supports Iraqi troops fighting in the city.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_04_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Abu Saif, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 Havoc fires rockets at Islamic State positions in Albu Saif during the West Mosul Offensive as it supports Iraqi troops fighting in the city.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_02_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi Federal Police officers react to incoming rounds from Islamic State fighters, located in buildings around 20 metres away, on their West Mosul rooftop position.<br />
<br />
Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_10_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. A Mosul resident walks down a street close to the fighting taking place between Iraqi troops and the Islamic State in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_13.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi Federal Police officers take cover as Islamic State fighters, around 175 metres away, fire at their position in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_07.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Father Ignatius Offy, a Christian priest, examines a damaged religious book in the burnt out shell of the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Behnam and his sister Mart Sarah in the recently liberated Christian town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. The church was vandalised and burnt by Islamic State militants during their two year occupation of the town which was retaken by Iraqi Security Forces during the ongoing Mosul Offensive.<br />
<br />
Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_03_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. A Christian militiaman, wrapped in the Assyrian flag, walks through the fire damaged Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Behnam and his sister Mart Sarah in the recently liberated Christian town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. The church was vandalised and burnt by Islamic State militants during their two year occupation of the town which was retaken by Iraqi Security Forces during the ongoing Mosul Offensive.<br />
<br />
Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_06_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures.  Before and after pictures showing life before ISIS occupation of Hamdaniyah in Iraq, and life after liberation from ISIS. PICTURED - The bell tower stood tall before ISIS invasion (left) and  two years later after being demolished by the Islamic State during their occupation of the town (right). .  Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town  included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul.  Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BEFORE_AFTER_ISIS_MCR_10.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/11/2016. Qayyarah, Iraq. Children run amongst vandalised gravestones, smashed by Islamic State militants, in the Qayyarah Cemetery in the town of Qayyarah, Iraq. The headstones were vandalised by the extremists, who believe that a grave should be flat to the earth and without markings, during the towns two year ISIS occupation.<br />
<br />
Two months after being liberated from the Islamic State, the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, located around 30km south of Mosul, is still dealing with the environmental repercussions of their ISIS occupation. The town's estimated 15,000 inhabitants constantly live under, and in, heavy clouds of smoke which often envelope the settlement. The clouds emanate from burning oil wells in a nearby oil field that were set alight by retreating ISIS extremists after a two year occupation. The proximity of the fires, often right next to homes within the town, covers many buildings and residents with thick soot and will lead to long term health and environmental implications. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYY_OIL_12_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/11/2016. Qayyarah, Iraq. Smoke from burning oil wells, set alight by retreating Islamic State militants, clogs the sky over the Qayyarah Cemetery, in the Iraqi town of the same name. Both Shia and Sunni graves within the cemetery were smashed during the town's two year occupation by ISIS extremists who believe that graves should be flat to the earth with no headstone. <br />
<br />
Two months after being liberated from the Islamic State, the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, located around 30km south of Mosul, is still dealing with the environmental repercussions of their ISIS occupation. The town's estimated 15,000 inhabitants constantly live under, and in, heavy clouds of smoke which often envelope the settlement. The clouds emanate from burning oil wells in a nearby oil field that were set alight by retreating ISIS extremists after a two year occupation. The proximity of the fires, often right next to homes within the town, covers many buildings and residents with thick soot and will lead to long term health and environmental implications. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYY_OIL_08_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/11/2016. Qayyarah, Iraq. Gravestones, smashed by Islamic State militants, litter the Qayyarah Cemetery in the town of Qayyarah, Iraq. The headstones were vandalised by the extremists, who believe that a grave should be flat to the earth and without markings, during the towns two year ISIS occupation.<br />
<br />
Two months after being liberated from the Islamic State, the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, located around 30km south of Mosul, is still dealing with the environmental repercussions of their ISIS occupation. The town's estimated 15,000 inhabitants constantly live under, and in, heavy clouds of smoke which often envelope the settlement. The clouds emanate from burning oil wells in a nearby oil field that were set alight by retreating ISIS extremists after a two year occupation. The proximity of the fires, often right next to homes within the town, covers many buildings and residents with thick soot and will lead to long term health and environmental implications. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYY_OIL_07_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/11/2016. Qayyarah, Iraq. A thick smoke cloud, coming from nearby burning oil wells which were set alight by retreating Islamic State militants, covers the sky over the main street through the Iraqi town of Qayyarah.<br />
<br />
Two months after being liberated from the Islamic State, the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, located around 30km south of Mosul, is still dealing with the environmental repercussions of their ISIS occupation. The town's estimated 15,000 inhabitants constantly live under, and in, heavy clouds of smoke which often envelope the settlement. The clouds emanate from burning oil wells in a nearby oil field that were set alight by retreating ISIS extremists after a two year occupation. The proximity of the fires, often right next to homes within the town, covers many buildings and residents with thick soot and will lead to long term health and environmental implications. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYY_OIL_03_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 23/10/2016. Harvested improvised explosive devices, laid by the Islamic State during their two year occupation of the Bartella area of Iraq, wait for disposal by the side of the Erbil to Mosul road.<br />
<br />
Bartella, a mainly Christian town with a population of around 30,000 people before being taken by the Islamic State in August 2014, was captured two days ago by the Iraqi Army's Counter Terrorism force as part of the ongoing offensive to retake Mosul. Although ISIS militants were pushed back a large amount of improvised explosive devices are still being found in the town's buildings. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BARTELLA_28_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 23/10/2016. A Christian statue, defaced by Islamic State militants, is seen in the recently liberated town of Bartella, Iraq.<br />
<br />
Bartella, a mainly Christian town with a population of around 30,000 people before being taken by the Islamic State in August 2014, was captured two days ago by the Iraqi Army's Counter Terrorism force as part of the ongoing offensive to retake Mosul. Although ISIS militants were pushed back a large amount of improvised explosive devices are still being found in the town's buildings. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BARTELLA_19_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 23/10/2016. A stencil, left by militants, declares a former Christian house in the town of Bartella, Iraq, to be the property of the Islamic State<br />
<br />
Bartella, a mainly Christian town with a population of around 30,000 people before being taken by the Islamic State in August 2014, was captured two days ago by the Iraqi Army's Counter Terrorism force as part of the ongoing offensive to retake Mosul. Although ISIS militants were pushed back a large amount of improvised explosive devices are still being found in the town's buildings. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_BARTELLA_01_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. Smoke from the burning Qayyarah oilfields blot out the light over the surrounding landscape. The oilfields, which surround the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, were set alight by Islamic State militants as they retreated from Iraqi forces in July 2016.<br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_22_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. Smoke from the burning Qayyarah oilfields blot out the light over the surrounding landscape. The oilfields, which surround the Iraqi town of Qayyarah, were set alight by Islamic State militants as they retreated from Iraqi forces in July 2016.<br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_20_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. An Iraqi man walks past a burning oil well, one of several located on the edge of the neighbourhood where he lives in Qayyarah, Iraq. The wells, part of a large oilfield around the town, were set alight by retreating Islamic State militants in July 2016, but have yet to be extinguished. <br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_17_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. An Iraqi man observes plumes of thick smoke billowing from several oil wells on the edge of the neighbourhood where he lives in Qayyarah, Iraq. The wells, part of a large oilfield around the town, were set alight by retreating Islamic State militants in July 2016, but have yet to be extinguished. <br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_15_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. An Iraqi man walks past a burning oil well, one of several located on the edge of the neighbourhood where he lives in Qayyarah, Iraq. The wells, part of a large oilfield around the town, were set alight by retreating Islamic State militants in July 2016, but have yet to be extinguished. <br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_16_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 20/10/2016. A cloud of smoke, rising from burning oil wells that have been alight for around two months, is seen towering over houses in the town of Qayyarah, Iraq. The oil wells, located in a neighbourhood on the edge of the town, were set alight in July by retreating Islamic State militants as part of a scorched earth policy.<br />
<br />
Since being retaken from the Islamic State the town of Qayyarah has become an important staging post for the Iraqi Army, and some US support elements, in the buildup to the Mosul offensive. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_QAYYARAH_07_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/12/2015. Bristol, UK.  A rally and protest in Bristol city centre, to demonstrate against bombing 'Islamic State' in Syria, on the day the UK Parliament debates a motion for the UK to join in air strikes against 'Islamic State', otherwise known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh in Syria. Photo credit : Simon Chapman/LNP
    LNP_SYRIA_PROTEST_151202_SCH_20.jpg
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/12/2015. Bristol, UK.  A rally and protest in Bristol city centre, to demonstrate against bombing 'Islamic State' in Syria, on the day the UK Parliament debates a motion for the UK to join in air strikes against 'Islamic State', otherwise known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh in Syria. Photo credit : Simon Chapman/LNP
    LNP_SYRIA_PROTEST_151202_SCH_17.jpg
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/12/2015. Bristol, UK.  A rally and protest in Bristol city centre, to demonstrate against bombing 'Islamic State' in Syria, on the day the UK Parliament debates a motion for the UK to join in air strikes against 'Islamic State', otherwise known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh in Syria. Photo credit : Simon Chapman/LNP
    LNP_SYRIA_PROTEST_151202_SCH_05.jpg
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 28/09/2014. Rabia, Iraq. Spent  cases from heavy machine guns are seen at a position used by fighters from the Syrian-Kurdish YPG as they fight with Islamic State insurgents in the town of Rabia, Iraq.<br />
<br />
Facing each other across the Iraq-Syria border, the towns of Al-Yarubiyah, Syria, and Rabia, Iraq, were taken by Islamic State insurgents in August 2014. Since then The town of Al-Yarubiyah and parts of Rabia have been re-taken by fighters from the Syrian Kurdish YPG. At present the situation in the towns is static, but with large exchanges of sniper and heavy machine gun fire as well as mortars and rocket propelled grenades, recently occasional close quarter fighting has taken place as either side tests the defences of the other. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_RABIA_11_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. A volunteer medic, working with the Iraqi Army, tends to an injured elderly Mosul resident, recently escaped from Islamic State territory, as troops prepare to evacuate her in an armoured Humvee.<br />
<br />
Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Year_Review_15.jpg
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. A volunteer medic, working with the Iraqi Army, tends to an injured elderly Mosul resident, recently escaped from Islamic State territory, as troops prepare to evacuate her in an armoured Humvee.<br />
<br />
Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_09_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Mosul residents cross the last stretch of open ground watched by Islamic State snipers to Iraqi Army positions after escaping from ISIS held territory in West Mosul today (15/06/2017).<br />
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Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_06_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Mosul residents prepare to cross the last stretch of open ground watched by Islamic State snipers to Iraqi Army positions after escaping from ISIS held territory in West Mosul today (15/06/2017).<br />
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Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_12_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Mosul residents cross the last stretch of open ground watched by Islamic State snipers to Iraqi Army positions after escaping from ISIS held territory in West Mosul today (15/06/2017).<br />
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Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_11_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 15/06/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Mosul residents cross the last stretch of open ground watched by Islamic State snipers to Iraqi Army positions after escaping from ISIS held territory in West Mosul today (15/06/2017).<br />
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Despite heavy fighting between the Islamic State and Iraqi Security Forces many civilians have started to leave ISIS territory in West Mosul. Mosul residents, many of whom have been in hiding in their homes since the start of the West Mosul Offensive, often have to run through ISIS sniper and machine gun fire to reach the safety of Iraqi Security Forces positions. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_MOSUL_CIV_16_MCR.JPG
  • 26/03/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 Havoc fires rockets at Islamic State positions in West Mosul as it supports Iraqi troops fighting in the city.<br />
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Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_06_MCR.JPG
  • 26/03/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation Mi-28 Havoc fires rockets at Islamic State positions in West Mosul as it supports Iraqi troops fighting in the city.<br />
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Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_05_MCR.JPG
  • 20/02/2017. Albu Saif, Iraq. With an Iraqi Army Aviation attack helicopter IA-407 flies over Iraqi Security Force reinforcements moving into the village of Albu Saif as part of the ongoing offensive to retake western Mosul from the Islamic State.<br />
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Iraqi forces reported today that one of its attack helicopters, supporting the ongoing Mosul Offensive, was shot down by Islamic State militants.
    LNP_IRQ_ATTACK_HELI_03_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Two Iraqi Federal Police officers relax on a West Mosul rooftop after firing at nearby Islamic State militants.<br />
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Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_15_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Iraqi Federal Police officers fire at an Islamic State firing position, around 20 metres away, as colleagues (not shown) advance below them.<br />
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Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_13_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Federal Police marksman uses his rifle to search for an ISIS sniper in a position around 20 metres from the Islamic State front line.<br />
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Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_07_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Federal Police machine gunner shoots at an Islamic State firing position, around 20 metres away, from his unit's rooftop fighting position.<br />
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Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_08_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 02/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. The turret of an Iraqi army T-72 tank pokes above a defensive bank in West Mosul, Iraq, close to the current front line between Iraqi Security Forces and the Islamic State.<br />
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Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_WMOSUL2_03_MCR.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. Mosul residents walk down a street close to the fighting taking place between Iraqi troops and the Islamic State in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_12.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Federal Police sniper takes searches for Islamic State fighters with his rifle in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_10.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Federal Police sniper team observe Islamic State fighters, around 175 metres away, from their position in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_09.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Federal Police officer fires at Islamic State fighters, around 175 metres away, from his position in West Mosul, Iraq, today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_08.JPG
  • Licensed to London News Pictures. 01/04/2017. Mosul, Iraq. A Federal Police machine gunner runs across a West Mosul room after firing at Islamic State militants in Iraq today (01/04/2017). Iraqi forces continue to fight house to house as they push further into West Mosul. Iraqi forces are now advancing on the city's old districts where Islamic State fighters still hold out. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Mosul_Iraq_MCR_06.JPG
  • © London News Pictures. 24/02/2017. Mosul, Iraq. An Iraqi Army Aviation IA-407 attack helicopter fires its .50 cal machine gun pod at Islamic State targets hidden in a western Mosul neighbourhood as it supports group troops advancing on the city. Operations to retake western Mosul from the Islamic State continued today and saw Iraqi troops enter the edges of southern neighbourhoods. Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_Airport_Mosul_MCR_7.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. A board bearing the flag of the Islamic State lies on the ground in the recently liberated Christian town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
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Hamdaniyahh, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_29_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Father Ignatius Offy, a Christian priest, prays at the fire damaged alter in the burnt out shell of the Syriac Catholic Church of Mar Behnam and his sister Mart Sarah in the recently liberated Christian town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. The church was vandalised and burnt by Islamic State militants during their two year occupation of the town which was retaken by Iraqi Security Forces during the ongoing Mosul Offensive.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
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Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_05_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Christian militiaman Salam Idris, hangs a picture of his late father, on the wall of his family home in the recently liberated town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. The picture was taken down and damaged by Islamic State militants when they occupied the house and employed it as a factory for improvised mines.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_11_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. A Christian militiaman, holds up a picture of Jesus Christ, slashed by Islamic State militants who previously occupied the house, in the recently liberated town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. The house was also used as a factory for constructing improvised mines, components can be seen stacked on the right side of the image.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_10_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Amar Idris sorts through the mess made by Islamic State militants who used his family home as a bomb factory during their recently ended two year occupation of the Iraqi Christian town of Hamdaniyah.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_12_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Father Ignatius Offy, a Christian priest, re-hangs a picture of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ on the wall of a room used for events at the Christian Academy in the recently liberated town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq. Much of the academy was burnt by ISIS militants during their two year occupation of the town, but the hall was left untouched - both basketballs and footballs were found in the room suggesting that, despite the Islamic State banning sports, some extremists used the underground hall to play ballgames.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_27_MCR.JPG
  • © Licensed to London News Pictures. 04/11/2016. Hamdaniyah, Iraq. A Christian resident stands in the scorched remains of a library holding pieces of a Christian priest's garb, which were overlooked by Islamic State militants when they burnt and vandalised the Christian academy in the town of Hamdaniyah, Iraq.<br />
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Although located close to a front line, littered with improvised explosive devices and pieces of unexploded ordnance the Christian town of Hamdaniyah has only recently been cleared of ISIS extremists who stayed behind to fight. After the town’s liberation as part of the Mosul Offensive residents and priests of the town are now free to take short trips to assess damage, salvage possessions and clear up the mess left by militants during their two year occupation.<br />
<br />
Hamdaniyah, and much of the Nineveh plains, were captured by the Islamic State during a large offensive on the 7th of August 2014 that saw the extremists advance to within 20km of the Iraqi Kurdish capital Erbil. Residents of the town, who included many Christian refugees who escaped there after the fall of Mosul, were then forced to seek sanctuary in the Kurdish areas. In the year and two months of the ISIS occupation churches were burnt, homes were put into use as militant accommodation and bomb factories and some buildings destroyed by coalition airstrikes. Photo credit: Matt Cetti-Roberts/LNP
    LNP_HAMDAN_25_MCR.JPG
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