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Iraq: Five years on from the brutal Battle of Mosul

07 Jul 22 | 08 Aug 22

Iraq: Five years on from the brutal Battle of Mosul

In October 2016, a military offensive led by Iraqi security forces began to retake the city of Mosul from the Islamic State group.

The ensuing battle for Mosul stretched over 250 days and was described as some of the deadliest urban combat since World War II. 

The battle was officially declared over five years ago, on 10 July 2017. 

For the people of Mosul, life has slowly resumed, however, rebuilding the city is still taking time. The healthcare system is no exception to that. 

In this video, MSF patients and staff share the challenges faced by the community with their stories of resilience and hope.

MSF in Iraq

Iraq is recovering from years of conflict and instability.

Although the civil war ended in late 2017, the security situation remains complex and unpredictable due to ongoing political disputes, tribal conflicts and attacks by armed groups.

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) maintains a range of basic and secondary health services, such as maternity and neonatal care, emergency rehabilitation, treatment for non-communicable diseases, surgery and post-operative care, and mental health support for displaced people, returnees and vulnerable communities.