Faithwire
  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • News
  • Politics
  • Coronavirus Updates
  • Faith
  • Opinion
  • Christmas
  • Set Free Course

Faithwire Original: Stunning New Images from Deep Inside Mosul

Prayers.
Share Tweet
By Dan Andros
Managing Editor

July 5, 2017

Faithwire has obtained stunning new photographs from inside war torn Mosul, which reveal the extend to which ISIS devastated the city – including a walk through the iconic near 900-year-old Great Mosque of al-Nuri, the landmark where in 2014 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced that ISIS would usher in the caliphate and that he would be the leader.

He made that announcement on July 4th, 2014, Here’s the good news: Iraq and America may soon be celebrating Independence Day together. Three years later, ISIS has lost most of the territory it once held, Russia and others have said it’s likely al-Baghdadi is dead, and the liberation of Mosul is reportedly imminent.

But there’s a long road ahead. The devastation ISIS inflicted on Iraq is immeasurable.

These pictures come from photo journalist Ahmed Dilshad Saraj, who lives and works in Iraq and specializes in covering war on the frontlines. He is absolutely fearless and has a huge heart, and I’ve witnessed both firsthand. You, too, will get a glimpse of it as you take a stroll with him through Mosul as he covered the final stages of the fight against ISIS.

The sound of gunfire can be overheard often and he came across several dead ISIS fighters (though I’ve skipped those clips, as they were quite disturbing).

What’s it like to be in Mosul right now?

Credit: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

Cars destroyed, roads pummeled, houses crumbling. Spent ammunition can be found laying around.

Photo: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

It looks like something out of a Hollywood movie. Pure devastation.

Credit: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

Ahmed took a moment to describe what Mosul looks and feels like. “It’s like Leningrad after second World War. It’s like… crap.”

https://www.faithwire.com/fw-uploads/2017/07/video-1496056843.mp4

For the past several months, trapped families have been looking for opportunities to escape. Countless civilians have died in the fighting, as ISIS shows no mercy, gunning down everyone who attempts to leave.

Credit: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

Ahmed spoke with some of the survivors moments after escaping the grip of the ruthless terrorist group. The wear the trauma of the past three years in their body language and on their faces. It’s sheer exasperation, and surely some relief. God only knows what these people have witnessed.

https://www.faithwire.com/fw-uploads/2017/07/video-1498573453.mp4
https://www.faithwire.com/fw-uploads/2017/07/video-1498574848.mp4

Deep in old city Mosul, centuries of civilization reduced to rubble.  Gunshots can be heard ringing out.

https://www.faithwire.com/fw-uploads/2017/07/video-1498574816.mp4

Here is the ancient mosque, which ISIS had absolutely zero respect for. Completely destroyed.

Credit: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

Self-declared ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced the caliphate here on America’s Independence Day. Three years later almost to the day, Mosul appears to be celebrating theirs.

Credit: Ahmed Dilshad Saraj

Continued prayers for the people of Iraq,  as they journey forward and look to put these horrific few years behind them.

Latest

  • Entertainment

    ‘You Simply Changed My Life’: Steve Harvey Pens Heartfelt Love Letter to Wife Citing ‘God’s Grace’ and His Journey Overcoming Homelessness

  • Faith

    URGENT PRAYER: Wife of Pastor Detained in China Has a Plea for the Global Church: ‘May the Lord Be Glorified…’

  • Culture

    ‘Honor Them For Their Great Sacrifice’: Chris Pratt Praises Men and Women in Uniform After WWII Veterans Surprise Him at Hollywood Premiere

  • News

    As Pro-Lifers Cheer End of Roe, Democrats Lament SCOTUS Overturning ‘Right’ to Kill the Unborn: ‘One of the Darkest Days Our Country Has Ever Seen’

  • News

    ROE NO MORE: Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade: States Can Ban Abortion


Navigation

  • Watch
  • Go!
  • Podcasts
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Staff
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Sign up to get our newsletter your inbox every day.

Newsletter Signup

Do you want to read
more articles like this?