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Families flee ISIL in Iraq

Since the operation to retake Mosul began, displaced civilians have been streaming into Iraq’s Kurdish region.

Kurdistan Peshmerga forces have been holding the line in the town of Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Kurdistan Peshmerga forces have been holding the line in the town of Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
By Mauricio Morales
22 Apr 2016

Operations began last month to retake Nineveh province, including Mosul, from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.

ISIL took control of Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, in June 2014. The town of Makhmour, around 75km southeast of Mosul, is among the frontlines of the operation to reclaim it. Here, the Iraqi army and Kurdish Peshmerga forces have been holding the line as battle preparations continue.

Since the operation began, an increasing number of displaced people have been streaming into Iraq’s Kurdish region, seeking refuge. The influx is expected to continue in the months ahead.

Civilians crossing from ISIL territory to Iraq's Kurdish region are asked to strip off their clothes to ensure they are not wearing suicide vests. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Civilians crossing from ISIL territory to Iraq's Kurdish region are asked to strip off their clothes to ensure they are not wearing suicide vests. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
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Peshmerga officers and soldiers stand on guard in Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Peshmerga officers and soldiers stand on guard in Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
On this day, more than 100 civilians arrive at the Peshmerga position in Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
On this day, more than 100 civilians arrive at the Peshmerga position in Makhmour. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
The majority of the civilians who arrive are from small rural villages near Mosul. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
The majority of the civilians who arrive are from small rural villages near Mosul. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Families must go through a registration process before being transported to temporary camps. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Families must go through a registration process before being transported to temporary camps. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Some people arrive with small bags containing their belongings, while others come with just the clothes on their backs. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Some people arrive with small bags containing their belongings, while others come with just the clothes on their backs. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
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Many of those arriving in Iraq's Kurdish region are women and children. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Many of those arriving in Iraq's Kurdish region are women and children. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
After being registered and cleared by local officials, some of the displaced people board trucks. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
After being registered and cleared by local officials, some of the displaced people board trucks. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
The trucks will transport them away from the frontlines. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
The trucks will transport them away from the frontlines. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Food is distributed at Dibaga camp, which has been receiving most of the displaced people. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Food is distributed at Dibaga camp, which has been receiving most of the displaced people. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Nearly 6,000 people are currently staying at the camp, according to officials. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Nearly 6,000 people are currently staying at the camp, according to officials. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Children let off steam in the camp's playground. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Children let off steam in the camp's playground. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
After camp residents are cleared by the Kurdistan Regional Government, many begin journeys to new locations in the region, including Kirkuk. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
After camp residents are cleared by the Kurdistan Regional Government, many begin journeys to new locations in the region, including Kirkuk. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Peshmerga soldiers and a local tribal leader look out from the Makhmour frontline. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
Peshmerga soldiers and a local tribal leader look out from the Makhmour frontline. [Mauricio Morales/Al Jazeera]
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