iraq - 2016 in review - part ii

IRAQ - 2016 in Review - Part II

IRAQ 2016 in Review Part IIA

IRAQ 2016 in Review Part II

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IRAQ - 2016 in Review

1

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 01, 2016Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite fighter fire artillery towards Islamic State militants near Falluja, Iraq, June 1, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 1 , 2016


PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 01, 2016An Iraqi Shi'ite fighter covers his ear as artillery fires towards Islamic State militants near Falluja, Iraq, June 1, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 1 , 2016


PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 01, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces fires artillery towards Islamic State militants near Falluja, Iraq, June 1, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 1 , 2016


PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 01, 2016Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (front 2nd L) walks during his visit to an Iraqi army base in Camp Tariq near Falluja, Iraq, June 1, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 1 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Smoke billows during fighting between Iraqi government forces and ISIS on the southern outskirts of Fallujah.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesJune 1 , 2016


PhotographerStringer .LocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 01, 2016An Iraqi Shi'ite fighter fires a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) during clashes with Islamic State militants on the outskirt of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJune 1 , 2016


Oil workers and firefighters try to extinguish flames at the Khabbaz oil field, some 12 miles southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq, following a reported improvised explosive attack by ISIS.

MARWAN IBRAHIM / AFP - Getty ImagesJune 1 , 2016


IRAQI FAMILIES FLEE VIOLENCE FROM FIGHT FOR FALLUJAHThe battle for Fallujah is shaping up to be unlike any of the other assaults in the Iraqi military's town-by-town war with the Islamic State group.In the nearly two weeks since the operation began, airstrikes have been used sparingly, Shiite militias have so far been kept to the perimeter, and the initial advance on the symbolically important town has been slow.Above: Internally displaced civilians from Fallujah flee their homes, gathering on the edge to cross the Euphrates River on June 2, 2016.APJune 2 , 2016


Soldiers of the Basra regiment of Iraqi counter-terrorism forces take combat positions during a fight in the Nuaimiya neighborhood of Fallujah, Iraq, on June 1. The U.N. children's fund has issued a stark warning to Iraqi troops and ISIS militants to spare the children amid a battle to retake the city of Fallujah.

Khalid Mohammed / APJune 1 , 2016


Internally displaced civilians from Fallujah flee their homes by crossing Euphrates River on a boat heading to a safe haven during fighting between Iraqi security forces and ISIS on June 2.Aid groups say about 1,000 families have managed to flee the outskirts of Fallujah since the operation began May 22. But the Norwegian Refugee Council, an international humanitarian group that does extensive work in Iraq's Anbar province, says none of the civilians trapped in the center of the city have made it out.APJune 2 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Abdul Rahman Ismail, an Iraqi soldier, who has been targeted by Islamic State extremists who destroyed his house two years ago, is reunited with his family after they were able to flee their town held by ISIS to join displaced Iraqi families at an Iraqi army military camp outside Fallujah, Iraq, on June 3. An estimated 50,000 people are trapped in the city.

Khalid Mohammed / APJune 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Smoke rises from clashes with ISIS militants in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq, on June 3.

ReutersJune 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Members of the Iraqi government forces help a man who fled the violence in his village of Saqlawiyah, northwest of Fallujah, at a military point outside his village on June 3.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesJune 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Members of the Iraqi government forces help people who fled the violence in Saqlawiyah carry their belongings at a military point outside their village, on June 3.

Residents have told The Associated Press that ISIS fighters tightly control all roads in and out of the city and have threatened to kill anyone who tries to escape.


Iraqi women and children who fled the violence in their village of Saqlawiyah wait to receive aid at a military point outside their village, on June 3.


Smoke rises after an airstrike by U.S.-led coalition warplanes as Iraqi security forces advance towards the Shuhada neighborhood of Fallujah on June 3.


Iraqi soldiers help families from a vehicle outside an Iraqi army military camp near Fallujah, on June 3.


An Iraqi girl helps a young boy drink as they receive food and aid at a military point after fleeing the violence in their village of Saqlawiyah, on June 3.


.Iraqi families gather outside an Iraqi military camp near Fallujah on June 3.


A helicopter fires weapons during clashes with ISIS militants in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq on June 3.

ReutersJune 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

.Iraqi government forces advance towards the center of Saqlawiyah, north west of Fallujah, during an operation to regain control of the area on June 4.


Displaced Iraqi families arrive to an Iraqi army camp after fleeing their homes during fighting, outside Fallujah, Iraq, on June 4.

APJune 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Displaced Iraqis, who fled the al-Falahat village west of Fallujah, wait to receive food and aid at the village of al-Azraqiyah, on June 4.PHOTOS: Iraqi Forces Battle to Recapture Fallujah From ISISAHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesJune 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationSAQLAWIYA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 04, 2016Shi'ite fighters hold an Islamic State flag, which they pulled down after clashes with IS militants, in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJune 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 04, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces carries a child as he assists civilians, who had fled their homes due to clashes, at Camp Tariq, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Smoke rises from an ISIS bomb on the front line in Fallujah, Iraq, on June 5. Iraqi forces secured the southern edge of the ISIS stronghold of Fallujah on Sunday, two weeks after the launch of an operation to recapture the city, the Iraqi special forces commander overseeing the operation said.Maya Alleruzzo / APJune 5 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationSAQLAWIYA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 05, 2016Members of the Shi'ite Badr organisation inspect the remains of Iraqi security forces who were killed by Islamic State militants in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq, June 5, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 5 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationSAQLAWIYA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 05, 2016Remains of Iraqi security forces who were killed by Islamic State militants are seen in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq, June 5, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 5 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationSAQLAWIYA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 05, 2016A member of the Shi'ite Badr Organisation carries his weapon in Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 5 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

FLEEING FALLUJAPhotographerReuters TVLocationFALLUJA, IRAQReuters / Monday, June 06, 2016A still image from video released June 6, 2016 shows Iraqi families attempting to escape the besieged city of Falluja, Iraq, by crossing the Euphrates river, June 3, 2016. REUTERS TVJune 6 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters TVLocationFALLUJA, IRAQReuters / Monday, June 06, 2016A still image from video released June 6, 2016 shows Iraqi families attempting to escape the besieged city of Falluja, Iraq, by crossing the Euphrates river, June 3, 2016. REUTERS TVJune 6 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters TVLocationFALLUJA, IRAQReuters / Monday, June 06, 2016A still image from video released June 6, 2016 shows Iraqi families attempting to escape the besieged city of Falluja, Iraq, by crossing the Euphrates river, June 3, 2016. REUTERS TVJune 6 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 04, 2016Civilians who fled their homes due to clashes in Saqlawiya transfer to a safe area on the outskirts of Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 4 , 2016GALLETY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 04, 2016Civilians who fled their homes due to clashes gather at Camp Tariq, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 4 , 2016GALLETY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 04, 2016Civilians who fled their homes due to clashes in Saqlawiya, transfer to a safe area on the outskirts of Saqlawiya, north of Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 4 , 2016GALLETY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerOsamah WaheebLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, June 07, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces stands next to a drawing on a wall of a flag used by Islamic State militants, south of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJune 7 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

A soldier from Iraqs elite counterterrorism forces monitors radio traffic from an armored vehicle as special forces enter the nearby Shuhada neighborhood in Islamic State-held Fallujah, Iraq, Wednesday, June 8, 2016. The operation to retake Fallujah is expected to be one of the most difficult yet; this city in Iraqs western Anbar province is symbolically important to the militant group and has been a bastion of support for anti-government militants since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)-08June 8 , 2016


PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 09, 2016Firemen hose down a burning building at the site of car bomb attack in Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of the Iraqi capital, June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyBAGHDAD BOMBINGSJune 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 09, 2016People gather at the site of car bomb attack in Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of the Iraqi capital, June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJune 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 09, 2016People gather at the site of car bomb attack in Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of the Iraqi capital, June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJune 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 09, 2016Smoke rises from a burning building at the site of a car bomb attack in Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of the Iraqi capital, June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJune 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 09, 2016A damaged vehicle of the Iraqi security forces is seen at the site of a car bomb attack in Baghdad al-Jadeeda, an eastern district of the Iraqi capital, June 9, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJune 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Civilians gather at the scene of a deadly suicide car bomb attack in the neighborhood of New Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, June 9, 2016. Two separate suicide attacks in and outside the Iraqi capital have killed at least 27 people and wounded dozens. Officials say the deadliest bombing took place in New Baghdad, a commercial area of a majority Shiite neighborhood, killing over a dozen civilians. Another suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into an Iraqi army checkpoint north of Baghdad, killing at least 12 people. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)June 9 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Vehicles of the Iraqi security forces are seen on the outskirts of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Smoke rises from clashes with Islamic State militants in Falluja. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review


PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Vehicles of the Iraqi security forces are seen on the outskirts of Falluja. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Members of the Iraqi security forces gather in a building on the outskirts of Falluja. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Vehicles of the Iraqi security forces are seen on the outskirts of Falluja. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review


PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016Vehicles of the Iraqi security forces move toward Falluja on the outskirts of the city in Iraq, June 10, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 10, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces walks with his weapon in the building on the outskirts of Falluja, Iraq, June 10, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJune 10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Monday, June 13, 2016A vendor prepares traditional sweets, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Baghdad. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJune 13 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

New recruits attend a training for the Furqat al-Abbas brigades at their headquarters east of Basra, Iraq. The training includes fitness and how to handle a weapon.Haidar Mohammed Ali / AFP - Getty ImagesJune 14 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Internally displaced Iraqis at a camp outside Fallujah, Iraq, Monday, June 14, 2016. The U.N. estimates about 50,000 civilians are trapped inside the city and that 42,000 people have fled Fallujah since a military operation to retake the city began in late May. Organizations such as MSF and The Norwegian Refugee Council say the number of those whove fled is closer to 30,000, lower than the U.N. estimate. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)-14June 14 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi security forces evacuate an injured soldier during heavy fighting against Islamic State group militants in Fallujah, Iraq, Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Fallujah has been locked in a cycle of conflict since 2003, when it emerged as a bastion of the insurgency against the Americans. Militant attacks and bombings were followed by sweeping arrest raids, which further stoked local grievances. In 2004, U.S. troops launched two massive assaults on the city, where they fought their bloodiest battles since Vietnam. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)June 15 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 13, 2016Smoke rises from clashes with Islamic State militants in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 13 , 2016


PhotographerStringer .LocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 15, 2016Iraqi security forces clash with Islamic State militants in Khadraa neighborhood in Falluja. REUTERS/StringerJune 15 , 2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMAKHMOUR, IraqReuters / Wednesday, June 15, 2016A displaced woman carries her sleeping child at a refugee camp in the Makhmour area near Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariJune 15 , 2016


Iraqi security forces advance their positions during the fight against Islamic State militants in Fallujah, Iraq, Wednesday, June 15, 2016. Fallujah has been locked in a cycle of conflict since 2003, when it emerged as a bastion of the insurgency against the U.S. Militant attacks and bombings were followed by sweeping arrest raids, which further stoked local grievances. In 2004, U.S. troops launched two massive assaults on the city, where they fought their bloodiest battles since Vietnam. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)-20June 15 , 2016


PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationAMERIYAT FALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 16, 2016A woman, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, carries her child during a dust storm at a refugee camp in Ameriyat Falluja, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationAMERIYAT FALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 16, 2016Displaced people, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, are seen during a dust storm at a refugee camp in Ameriyat Falluja, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review


PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationAMERIYAT FALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 16, 2016Displaced people, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, walk during a dust storm at a refugee camp in Ameriyat Falluja, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review


PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationAMERIYAT FALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 16, 2016An Iraqi girl, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, poses for a photographer at a refugee camp in Ameriyat Falluja, south of Falluja, Iraq, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 16, 2016Displaced people, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, cross a bridge during a dust storm on the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq, June 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Iraqi army soldiers carry their weapons as they gather in the center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Iraqi army vehicles are seen in center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Smoke rises from clashes between Iraqi security forces and Islamic State militants in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Iraqi army soldiers stand with their weapons in center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Iraqi army soldiers carry their weapons as they gather in the center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 19, 2016An Iraqi security forces vehicle is seen on a street in the centre of Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 19 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 20, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces holds an Islamist State flag which they pulled down at Falluja hospital in center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 20 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 20, 2016Iraqi security forces gather at Falluja hospital in center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 20 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 20, 2016Destroyed buildings from clashes are seen on the outskirt of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 20 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, June 17, 2016Iraqi soldiers gesture in center of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 17 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 18, 2016Iraqi security forces launched a rocket toward Islamic State militants in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 18 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 18, 2016A mosque is seen in central Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 18 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 18, 2016An Iraqi soldier rests in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 18 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerOsamah WaheebLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 19, 2016An Iraqi soldier helps civilians, who fled from Falluja because of Islamic State violence, during a dust storm on the outskirts of Falluja. REUTERS/StringerJune 19 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

The people of Iraq, the war between the sparkling sink Government forces and the Islamic State group in the city of Fallujah, Warsaw basic foods in a makeshift camp in Khaldiyeh, on June 20, 2016.June 20 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters StaffReuters / Tuesday, June 21, 2016Wasila Hassan, 17, from Qamishlo, Syria, is pictured at Arbat refugee camp, Iraq, June 20, 2016. Hassan began dancing three years ago, but joining the Rojava Dance Group took some persuasion from her family. "At first I wasn't part of the group," Hassan explained. "I began going to rehearsals and after a while became interested and my father encouraged me to join." Hassan came in third place with her dance group Rojava. "We dance...moreJune 21 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 23, 2016Displaced children, who fled from Islamic State violence, and the needy receive free food distributed during the fasting month of Ramadan at a restaurant in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJune 23 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 23, 2016A member of the Iraqi counter terrorism forces stands by an Islamic State militants weapons factory in Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniZune 23 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016A member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces walks with his weapon in Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

An mortar shell is half buried in the ground in Fallujah 30 miles from the Iraqi capital Baghdad, after Iraqi forces retook the embattled city from the Islamic State terrorist group.HAIDAR MOHAMMED ALI / AFP - Getty Images-26June 26 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 27, 2016Burnt out prison cells belonging to Islamic State militants are seen in Falluja after government forces recaptured the city from Islamic State militants, Iraq, June 27, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniINSIDE FALLUJA AFTER ISLAMIC STATEJune 27 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 20, 2016Destroyed buildings from clashes are seen on the outskirt of Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 20 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 25, 2016A member of the Shi'ite Badr Organisation examines an item in a factory abandoned by Islamic State militants, following clashes in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 25 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 25, 2016Explosives left behind by Islamic State militants are seen at a school, following clashes in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 25 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 25, 2016Members of the Shi'ite Badr Organisation inspect a factory abandoned by Islamic State militants, in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 25 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Saturday, June 25, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces looks at explosives abandoned by Islamic State militants at a school in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 25 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Destroyed vehicles are seen in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Iraqi counterterrorism forces gather in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Iraqi counterterrorism forces gesture in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Bullet casings from clashes are seen on the ground in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Iraqi counterterrorism forces pose for a picture in Falluja, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016A member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces drives in a military vehicle in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Sunday, June 26, 2016Iraqi counterterrorism forces walk in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 26 , 2016GALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 27, 2016Members of Iraqi government forces celebrate on a street in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 27 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 27, 2016A bridge over the Euphrates river is seen in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 27 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 27, 2016A member of Iraqi government forces celebrate along a street in Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudanJune 27 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Monday, June 27, 2016A member of Iraqi government forces celebrate along a street in Falluja after government forces recaptured the city from Islamic State militants, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJune 27 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerOsamah WaheebLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, June 28, 2016Women displaced by violence from Islamic State militants, arrive at a military base in Ramadi, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerJune 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, July 01, 2016Iraqi government forces react to the camera in Falluja after government forces recaptured the city from Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJuly 1 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Friday, July 01, 2016Worshippers, including senior military commanders and tribal sheikhs, attend the first Friday prayer sermon since the city's recapture at a mosque inside Falluja. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJuly 1 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 30, 2016Iraqi security forces gather in Falluja after government forces recaptured the city from Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadGALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 30, 2016Destroyed vehicles from clashes . REUTERS/Ahmed SaadGALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationFALLUJA, IraqReuters / Thursday, June 30, 2016A member of the Iraqi security forces tears up a signboard of the Islamic State militants. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadGALLERY PHOTOSIRAQ - 2016 in Review

BAGHDAD BLAST KILLS SCORES IN BUSY MARKETAn Iraqi Man looks for victims at the site of a car bomb attack at a commercial area in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad on July 3, 2016.

A suicide truck bomb in downtown Baghdad killed 115 people and wounded nearly 200 others who were out shopping and celebrating early Sunday ahead of the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, security and medical officials said.

Hadi Mizban / APJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016People gather at the site of a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area, in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

An Iraqi man mourns in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf during the funeral procession for the victims of a suicide bombing on Sunday.

HAIDAR HAMDANI / AFP - Getty Images-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

.Iraqi firefighters and civilians carry bodies of victims killed in the car bombing on Sunday.The attack, claimed by the Islamic State group, was the deadliest in months in the Iraqi capital, and came despite a series of recent gains against the extremists, including the capture of Fallujah, which was believed to have been a source of such attacks.

Khalid Mohammed / AP-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqis embrace at the site of the blast.Hadi Mizban / AP-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqis gather at the site of the suicide car bombing.Karada is a major commercial area lined with clothing and jewelry stores, restaurants and cafes, and was packed with shoppers ahead of Wednesday's Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Most of the victims were inside a multi-story shopping and amusement mall, where dozens burned to death or suffocated, police said.

SABAH ARAR / AFP - Getty Images-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi men looks for victims who went missing after the car bomb hit Karada.

Hadi Mizban / AP-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

.Iraqis gather at the site of the car bomb attack.

ALI ABBAS / EPA-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

An Iraqi firefighter works at the site of the suicide car bombing.

SABAH ARAR / AFP - Getty Images-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi women wait to hear about family members who went missing.

Hadi Mizban / AP-03July 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi men mourn over a body after they lost five members of their family in the suicide bombing, during their funeral in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday.


Iraqi men transport a coffin in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on Sunday, during a funeral procession for the victims of the suicide bombing.


Iraqi men mourn over bodies after they lost five members of their family.


ISLAMIC STATE STRIKES BAGHDADPhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016People inspect the site of a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area, in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Firemen inspect the site of a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area, in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Civilians carry the body of a victim killed in a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area, in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Firemen hose down a burning building as civilians gather after a suicide car bomb occurred in the Karrada shopping area in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016People gather at the site of a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area, in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Firemen hose down a burning building after a suicide car bomb occurred in the Karrada shopping area in Baghdad, Iraq July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationNAJAF, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Mourners react during a funeral of a victim who was killed in a suicide car bomb in the Karrada shopping area in Baghdad, during the funeral in Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraq, July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationNAJAF, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Mourners pray near the coffins of their relatives, who were killed in a suicide vehicle bomb in the Karrada shopping area in Baghdad, during the funeral in Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraq, July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationNAJAF, IraqReuters / Sunday, July 03, 2016Mourners carry the coffin of their relative, who was killed in a suicide vehicle bomb in the Karrada shopping area in Baghdad, during the funeral in Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraq, July 3, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniJuly 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Monday, July 04, 2016A girl walks past the site after a suicide car bomb attack at the shopping area of Karrada, a largely Shi'ite district, in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJuly 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Tuesday, July 05, 2016Men work on a large hookah at the Taha factory in Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly 5 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Wednesday, July 06, 2016Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims attend prayers during Eid al-Fitr at the site of a suicide car bomb attack over the weekend at the shopping area of Karrada, in Baghdad, Iraq July 6, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJuly 6 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

An Iraqi man searches for the bodies of victims of a suicide-bombing attack in Baghdad's Karada neighborhood on July 4. A suicide truck bomb in downtown Baghdad killed 292 people who were out shopping and celebrating early Sunday ahead of the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, security and medical officials said.Karada is a major commercial area lined with clothing and jewelry stores, restaurants and cafes, and was packed with shoppers ahead of Wednesday's Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Most of the victims were inside a multi-story shopping and amusement mall, where dozens burned to death or suffocated, police said.

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesJuly 8 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationBALAD, IraqReuters / Friday, July 08, 2016Shi'ite fighters from Saraya al-Salam, who are loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, gather at site of a suicide attack at the entrance of the Shi'ite Mausoleum of Sayid Mohammed bin Ali al-Hadi in Balad, north of Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniJuly 8 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqis commemorated at the temporary Memorial temple for victims of suicide bombing in the Karrada district in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 10, 2016.July10 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

July10 , 2016Evacuees flee the violence of the Islamic State in al-Tharthar Lake, northwest of Baghdad, Iraq, on July 10, 2016.IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Monday, July 11, 2016People clean up debris from a building damaged by the Karrada suicide bomb attack at the site where the incident took place in Baghdad, Iraq July 10, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadJuly11 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

A man looks at a burned mall after the last week massive suicide truck bomb attack that killed at least 186 people and was claimed by the Islamic State group, in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad, Iraq, Monday, July 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)July11, 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Wednesday, July 13, 2016Residents and Iraqi security forces gather at the site of a suicide bomb attack at a checkpoint in Rashidiya, a district north of Baghdad, Iraq July 13, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyJuly13, 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAri JalalLocationDOHUK, IraqReuters / Wednesday, August 03, 2016Actors re-enact the attack by Islamic State militants on Yazidis of the town of Sinjar, to mark the second anniversary of what a U.N.-appointed commission of independent war crimes investigators termed a genocide against the Yazidi population by the Islamic State, in Dohuk, northern Iraq August 3, 2016. REUTERS/Ari JalalAug. 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerThaier Al-SudaniLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Wednesday, August 10, 2016Burnt incubators stand outside a maternity ward after a fire broke out at Yarmouk hospital in Baghdad, Iraq, August 10, 2016. REUTERS/Thaier Al-SudaniAug. 10 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

THE ROAD TO MOSULPhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Military vehicles of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are seen on the southeast of Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerStringer .LocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Saturday, August 13, 2016A displaced man from south of Mosul gives the coordinates of Islamic State militants to Iraqi army, south of Mosul. REUTERS/StringerAug. 13 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Military vehicles of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces are seen on the southeast of Mosul , Iraq, August 14, 2016. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Displaced people approach the Kurdish Peshmerga forces on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Smoke rises from clashes with Islamic State militants on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces ride on military vehicles on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016A member of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces checks his weapon in a military vehicle on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016A member of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces takes his position in a military vehicle on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces fire a rocket toward Islamic State militants on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces gesture on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces gather on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces ride on military vehicles on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 14, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces ride in military vehicles on the southeast of Mosul. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 14 ,2016


Hundreds of civilians flee villages outside Mosul the day after Iraqi Kurdish forces launch an operation east of Islamic State-held Mosul on Monday, Aug. 15, 2016. The Kurdish forces known as the Peshmerga say they have retaken 12 villages in the operation in an effort to encircle the city. (AP Photo/Susannah George)Aug. 15 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

hotographerStringer .LocationAL QAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Monday, August 15, 2016A displaced woman, who fled Islamic State violence, is seen on the outskirt of Al Qayyarah. REUTERS/StringerAug. 15 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters TVLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 16, 2016A still image from video shows a member of the Islamic State battling to maintain control around Mosul. Amaq News Agency via REUTERS TVAug. 16 ,2016THE ROAD TO MOSULIRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters TVLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 16, 2016A still image from video shows Islamic State militants battling to maintain control around Mosul. Amaq News Agency via REUTERSAug. 16 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerReuters TVLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 16, 2016A still image from video shows Islamic State militants battling to maintain control around Mosul. Amaq News Agency via REUTERS TVAug. 16 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationAL QAYYARAH, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 16, 2016Iraqi security forces gather on the outskirt of Al Qayyarah. REUTERS/StringerAug. 16 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 21, 2016Kurdish Peshmerga forces help people from Sunni Muslims, who fled the Islamic State's strongholds of Hawija, as they arrive on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq. REUTERS/Ako RasheedAug. 21 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 21, 2016Iraqi security forces detain a boy after removing a suicide vest from him in Kirkuk, Iraq. REUTERS/Ako RasheedAug. 21 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 23, 2016Garbage pickers collect ride on donkey cart while looking for recyclable materials at a rubbish dump in the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyAug. 23 ,2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 23, 2016Smoke rises from clashes between Iraqi security forces and Islamic State militants in the town of Qayyara , Iraq. REUTERS/StringerAug. 23 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 23, 2016Garbage pickers carry bags while looking for recyclable materials at a rubbish dump in the outskirts of Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilyAug. 23 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAlaa Al-MarjaniLocationNAJAF, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 23, 2016The Wadi al-Salam cemetery, Arabic for "Peace Valley", is seen in Najaf, south of Baghdad, Iraq. REUTERS/Alaa Al-MarjaniAug. 23 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAri JalalLocationSHINGAL, IraqReuters / Wednesday, August 24, 2016Yazidi females who have joined the Kurdish Peshmerga forces chat in Shingal, Iraq. REUTERS/Ari JalalAug. 24 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqis celebrate their salvation from the Islamic State group, as Iraqi security forces patrol in Qayara, 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Mosul, Iraq, Friday, Aug. 26, 2016. Iraqi forces retook the town of Qayara, a key area near a major air base south of Mosul, from the Islamic State group Thursday according to a statement issued from the office of prime minister Al-Abadi. (AP Photo)Aug. 26 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

The pace of daily burials rose to 150-200 after Islamic State, the ultra-hardline Sunni group overran a third of the country in 2014, said Jihad Abu Saybi, a historian of the cemetery. The rate was 80-120 a day previously, he said.IRAQS PEACE VALLEY THE WORLDS LARGEST CEMETERYAug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Shi'ite paramilitary often visit Ali's golden-domed shrine before heading to the frontlines to battle Islamic State, and request to be laid to rest in Wadi al-Salam should they be killed, as a reward for their sacrifice.Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

As land becomes scarce, the cost of a standard 25 square metre family burial lot has risen to about 5 million Iraqi dinars ($4100) almost double the amount paid for the same lots before violence escalated as IS exerted control over large swathes of north and western Iraq in 2014.Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Millions of graves of different shapes lie in the roughly 10 square km (4 square miles) cemetery that attracts burials from Shiites all over the world. By nationality, Iraq's Iranian neighbours are thought to come second in number people interred near Ali's golden-domed shrine.Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Often built with baked bricks and plaster, decorated with Koranic calligraphy, some graves are above ground tombs, reflecting the wealth of those within.Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

A boy digs a grave.Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Aug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review













PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Monday, August 29, 2016Fire rises from oil wells, set ablaze by Islamic State militants before they fled the oil-producing region of Qayyara, Iraq, which has been recaptured by Iraqi forces, August 29, 2016. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 29 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Monday, August 29, 2016Tents that were destroyed by fire are seen at Yahayawa refugee camp near Kirkuk, Iraq, August 29, 2016. REUTERS/Ako RasheedAug. 29 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

ISLAMIC STATE DRIVEN FROM QAYYARA, IRAQPhotographerStringer .LocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Thursday, August 25, 2016A tank of the Iraqi army is seen in the town of Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerAug. 25 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Iraqis displaced from Qayyara sit in an Iraqi security forces vehicle waiting to be transfered to Tikrit, in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Sunday, August 28, 2016Iraqi people and security forces celebrate in the town of Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerAug. 28 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Displaced Iraqis from Qayyara sit in a vehicle belonging to Iraqi security forces, as they transfer to Tikrit, in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016An injured displaced girl from Qayyara poses for a picture in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Iraqi security forces eat during their rest time in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016A member of the Iraqi security force stands with his weapon as fire and smoke rise from oil wells, set ablaze by Islamic State militants before fleeing the oil-producing region of Qayyara, Iraq, which has been recaptured by Iraqi forces. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Iraqis displaced from Qayyara sit on an Iraqi security forces vehicle as they wait to be transfered to Tikrit, in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Iraqi security force vehicles are seen in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Displaced Iraqis from Qayyara gather in the city of Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016U.S. military and Iraqi army reinforcements deploy after the defeat of the Islamic State militants in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016An Iraqi security forces vehicle is seen on the street of Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016An Iraqi officer walks next to a Sukhoi fighter plane in Qayyara base, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Residents look at oil spill from wells, set ablaze by Islamic State militants before fleeing the oil-producing region of Qayyara, in Qayyara, Iraq, August 29, 2016. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016An Iraqi security forces vehicle is seen on the street of Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationQAYYARA, IraqReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016An injured displaced woman from Qayyara poses for a picture in Qayyara, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerDanish IsmailLocationSRINAGAR, INDIAReuters / Tuesday, August 30, 2016Demonstrators try to hurl stones at an Indian police vehicle during a protest in Srinagar against the recent killings in Kashmir, August 30, 2016. REUTERS/Danish IsmailAug. 30 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationGWER, IraqReuters / Thursday, September 01, 2016Homemade mortars belonging to Islamic State militants are seen in the town of Gwer northern Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariSep. 1 , 2016


Oil wells on the edge of Qaraya, Iraq burn Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016 - days after the town was retaken from the Islamic State group by Iraqi ground forces backed by U.S.-led coalition airpower. The operation is part of a strategy to isolate Mosul. (AP Photo/Susannah George)Aug. 28, 2016GALLERY PHOTOS


An Iraqi man walks near smoke billowing from oil wells set ablaze by ISIS militants fleeing the oil-producing region of Qayyarah on Aug. 30, after Iraqi forces pushed the jihadists out of the northern town on the banks of the Tigris river. Iraqi forces retook key areas in the city on Aug. 25 and pushed ISIS from Qayyarah, a northern town considered strategic for any future offensive against the jihadists' last stronghold of Mosul.SAFIN HAMED / AFP - Getty ImagesGALLERY PHOTOSAug. 30 , 2016


PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationGWER, IraqReuters / Thursday, September 01, 2016A tunnel used by Islamic State militants is seen in the town of Gwer, northern Iraq August 31, 2016. REUTERS/Azad LashkariSep. 1 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAhmed SaadLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Friday, September 02, 2016A man walks at a destroyed building at the site of a blast caused by a fire at a weapons storage in eastern Baghdad, Iraq, September 2, 2016. REUTERS/Ahmed SaadSep. 2 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerKhalid Al MousilyLocationBAGHDAD, IraqReuters / Wednesday, September 07, 2016Men, who according to Iraqi security forces are suspected Islamic State militants, sit in a row during a presentation to the media at Iraqi military intelligence directorate in Baghdad, Iraq September 7, 2016. REUTERS/Khalid al MousilySep. 7 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerStringer .LocationSHIRQAT, IraqReuters / Thursday, September 22, 2016Iraqi security forces with Sunni Muslim tribal fighters arrest a member of the Islamic State in Shirqat, Iraq, September 22, 2016. REUTERS/StringerSep. 22 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Monday, October 03, 2016Sunni Muslims who fled the Islamic State's strongholds of Hawija arrive in Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq. REUTERS/Ako RasheedOct. 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in ReviewKIRKUK, Iraq

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Monday, October 03, 2016Sunni Muslims who fled the Islamic State's strongholds of Hawija arrive in Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq. REUTERS/Ako RasheedOct. 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Monday, October 03, 2016Sunni Muslims who fled the Islamic State's strongholds of Hawija receive treatment in Southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq. REUTERS/Ako RasheedOct. 3 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review





Mideast IraqThe family of Ahmed Muhammed packs a truck with their belongings at Dibaga Camp near Makhmour, Iraq on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. After seven months of living in the camp, the family is heading home to Qayyarah, which was recently recaptured from Islamic State militants by the Iraqi army. (AP Photo/Cengiz Yar)-04Oct. 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

The body of an ISIS militant lays on the ground after a repelled attack from the militants by the Iraqi army, outside the town of Qayyarah on Oct. 4. Qayyarah has become an important staging ground for military and humanitarian efforts.Bram Janssen / APOct. 4 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters hold a position on the top of Mount Zardak, about 25 kilometres east of Mosul. Mosul, Iraq's second city, was seized by the ISIS group in 2014 after multiple Iraqi divisions collapsed in the face of a jihadist assault. But Baghdad is now planning, with help from a US-led coalition, a major operation to retake the city, which had a population of two million before the IS invasion.SAFIN HAMED / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 6 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerOsamah WaheebLocationHIT, IraqReuters / Tuesday, October 11, 2016Iraqi army soldiers take down an Islamic State flag in the town of Hit in Anbar province, Iraq. REUTERS/StringerOct. 11 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

. An Iranian Shiite Muslim woman mourns after covering herself with mud during Ashoura rituals in Khorramabad, Iran. Shiites mark Ashoura, the tenth day of the Muslim month of Muharram, to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad and one of Shiite Islam's most beloved saints, during the 7th century Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.Ebrahim Noroozi / AP-12Oct. 12 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAko RasheedLocationKIRKUK, IraqReuters / Wednesday, October 12, 2016A convoy of Iraqi security forces advances on the outskirts of Mosul, to fight against Islamic State militants, in Kirkuk, Iraq, October 12, 2016. REUTERS/Ako RasheedOct. 12 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi security forces sleeps in a military vehicle on Oct. 15.

AZAD LASHKARI / ReutersOct. 15 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

PhotographerAzad LashkariLocationMOSUL, IraqReuters / Sunday, October 16, 2016Peshmerga forces gather on the east of Mosul during preparations to attack Mosul, Iraq. REUTERS/Azad LashkariOct. 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

Iraqi policemen clean a weapon at the Qayyarah military base, about 35 miles south of Mosul on Oct. 16.

Brett McGurk, the State Department official coordinating the effort against the group, said it would liberate Iraqis from "two years of darkness."

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

An Iraqi policeman tries on a gasmask at the Qayyarah military base on Oct. 16.AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP - Getty ImagesOct. 16 , 2016IRAQ - 2016 in Review

IRAQ - 2016 in ReviewKurdish security forces take up a position as they fight overlooking the Islamic State-controlled in villages surrounding Mosul, in Khazer, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Mosul, Iraq, Monday, Oct. 17, 2016. Iraqi government and Kurdish forces, backed by U.S.-led coalition air and ground support, launched coordinated military operations early on Monday as the long-awaited fight to wrest the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State fighters got underway. (AP Photo)Oct. 17 , 2016THE ENDIRAQ 2016 in Review Part II2016

iraq - 2016 in review - part ii

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