٠٠:٠٢:٤٩Iraqis dressed as Santa Claus were seen making their way through the remains of Mosul’s Old City on Wednesday, distributing gifts to local children.
Mosul, one of Iraq's largest cities, was badly destroyed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL), after they took control in June 2014. The city was recaptured by Iraqi government forces in July 2017 after a nine-month long final battle.
The heaviest fighting took place in the Old City, leaving thousands of buildings, including its old churches and monasteries, in ruins.
Reconstruction efforts are currently underway. However, the neighbourhood is still a far cry from its former glory.
Iraq: Santas hand out gifts amid Mosul ruins
Iraqis dressed as Santa Claus were seen making their way through the remains of Mosul’s Old City on Wednesday, distributing gifts to local children.
Mosul, one of Iraq's largest cities, was badly destroyed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL), after they took control in June 2014. The city was recaptured by Iraqi government forces in July 2017 after a nine-month long final battle.
The heaviest fighting took place in the Old City, leaving thousands of buildings, including its old churches and monasteries, in ruins.
Reconstruction efforts are currently underway. However, the neighbourhood is still a far cry from its former glory.
Iraqis dressed as Santa Claus were seen making their way through the remains of Mosul’s Old City on Wednesday, distributing gifts to local children.
Mosul, one of Iraq's largest cities, was badly destroyed by the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL), after they took control in June 2014. The city was recaptured by Iraqi government forces in July 2017 after a nine-month long final battle.
The heaviest fighting took place in the Old City, leaving thousands of buildings, including its old churches and monasteries, in ruins.
Reconstruction efforts are currently underway. However, the neighbourhood is still a far cry from its former glory.