War-ravaged village of Habash fails to rebuild - in pictures

  • A boy is seen through a hole in the wall of a house in the war-ravaged village of Habash, 180 kilometres north of Iraq's capital Baghdad. All photos by AFP
    A boy is seen through a hole in the wall of a house in the war-ravaged village of Habash, 180 kilometres north of Iraq's capital Baghdad. All photos by AFP
  • Eight years after heavy fighting between ISIS and the army, the reconstruction of the war-ravaged village in northern Iraq is at a standstill.
    Eight years after heavy fighting between ISIS and the army, the reconstruction of the war-ravaged village in northern Iraq is at a standstill.
  • A woman works in the kitchen of her damaged house.
    A woman works in the kitchen of her damaged house.
  • Children play outside their damaged house in the war-ravaged village.
    Children play outside their damaged house in the war-ravaged village.
  • Many homes have been left destroyed or uninhabitable.
    Many homes have been left destroyed or uninhabitable.
  • A girl stands on the wall of her family's damaged house.
    A girl stands on the wall of her family's damaged house.
  • Issa Al Zamzoum, a father of five, with his family inside their home.
    Issa Al Zamzoum, a father of five, with his family inside their home.
  • While the Baghdad government eventually celebrated military "victory" over ISIS in December 2017, the scale of destruction in Habash was immense.
    While the Baghdad government eventually celebrated military "victory" over ISIS in December 2017, the scale of destruction in Habash was immense.
  • Mr Al Zamzoum walks past a destroyed house.
    Mr Al Zamzoum walks past a destroyed house.
  • Pupils on their way home from school.
    Pupils on their way home from school.
  • For residents of the already hard-hit area, the suffering has not ended in many ways.
    For residents of the already hard-hit area, the suffering has not ended in many ways.
  • Nearly 20,000 people displaced or affected by the conflict need aid in the area, says the Norwegian Refugee Council.
    Nearly 20,000 people displaced or affected by the conflict need aid in the area, says the Norwegian Refugee Council.
  • As well as basic needs like clean water and electricity, even obtaining identity papers is a challenge for many.
    As well as basic needs like clean water and electricity, even obtaining identity papers is a challenge for many.
  • While Habash is under government control, ISIS militants still operate only 15 kilometres further north.
    While Habash is under government control, ISIS militants still operate only 15 kilometres further north.
  • A boy stands by a destroyed house.
    A boy stands by a destroyed house.
  • A woman looks out from her damaged house.
    A woman looks out from her damaged house.
  • Residents say they have appealed to their member of parliament for support, but nothing has changed.
    Residents say they have appealed to their member of parliament for support, but nothing has changed.