Mosul, Iraq - Recent

Storyline:
Seven years after liberation from the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants, life has returned to normal in Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul. Residents carry hope and resilience as they move forward.

Mosul, about 400 km north of the capital Baghdad, was seized by IS militants in June 2014 and was liberated on July 10, 2017, after nine months of fierce fighting. The battles left massive destruction, especially in the old city center.

Muhammad Ferman, a staff member for a block in the city, lives with his mother. They returned home after four years escape.

The 69-year-old woman recalled that upon returning to Mosul, she learned that the IS militants had occupied most houses in their block to provide living space for the militants' families.

Ferman pointed out the traces of battles.

Ferman keeps photos they took when they first returned to Mosul, showing the entire block left in rubble and ruins. Now, parts of buildings on old streets have been rehabilitated. However, the devastation Mosul suffered is still fresh in people's minds. Despite these challenges, residents are facing their difficulties with courage and resilience. They see glimpses of hope that this old city will be reignited with vitality.

Shotlist:
Mosul, Iraq - Recent:
1. Various of elderly woman sitting in courtyard;
2. Courtyard;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) elderly woman (name not given)(starting with shot 2/partially overlaid with shots 4-6):
"When the Islamic State (IS) militants took over Mosul, we escaped to Zakho, north of Mosul. We stayed there for four years. When we returned to Mosul, we could only live in a dilapidated house because our former home was ruined beyond recognition. We lost everything, including our property and all daily necessities."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
4. Child standing;
5. Woman holding child;
6. Courtyard
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
7. Various of damaged houses, ruins;
8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) elderly woman (name not given)(starting with shot 7/partially overlaid with shot 9/ending with shot 10):
"The IS militants evicted the people who had lived in the compound. There were bombs and battles every day and night. Some lost all their family members at the beginning of the airstrikes. We are not sure how exactly our house was destroyed, but it might have been by a fire caused by the airstrikes. We are living in difficult conditions. We only have two rooms."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
9. Traces of fires
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
10. Various of Ferman Muhammad, elderly woman's son and staff member of block, talking;
11. Traces of fires;
12. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ferman Muhammad, resident in Mosul (partially overlaid with shot 13):
"The whole house was destroyed by fires caused by airstrikes and missiles. The destroyed parts of the house have been rehabilitated, but some traces remain. Look, you can still see the fire marks there."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
13. Various of traces of airstrikes, missiles, fires
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE];
14. Various of Ferman showing photos;
15. Various of traces of battles;
16. Various of Ferman comparing photos, streets;
17. Various of Ferman, his mother sitting in courtyard;
18. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) elderly woman (name not given)(starting with shot 17/ending with shot 19):
"The house we live in now leaks water and is in bad condition. Though it has been rehabilitated, it still leaks, and there are cracks in the walls. The backyard of our house is still under repair. The original yard was burned to ashes. I just hope that this yard will be restored to its original state. This my only wish now.";
19. Various of interior of courtyard.

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