A City in Shambles - A Kurdish Story
The city of Mosul, Iraq, once a bustling center of life, became a stronghold for the terrorist organization ISIS, plunging its residents into a period of devastating conflict and suffering. Amidst the chaos, a humanitarian organization known as the Free Burma Rangers emerged to provide crucial assistance to the affected population. In this blog post, we delve into the firsthand experiences and photos captured during a visit to Mosul, shedding light on the harrowing realities faced by its people and the resilient spirit that emerged in the face of adversity.
During the visit to Mosul, it was evident that the city had fallen under the control of ISIS, creating a dire situation for its residents. The Iraqi government faced a difficult dilemma, refraining from bombing the city due to ISIS militants' cruel tactics of using civilians as human shields. As a result, the people of Mosul were trapped, enduring immense suffering and becoming internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to flee their own homes in search of safety.
Mosul's population predominantly consists of Kurds, making them the largest minority group in Iraq. However, historically, Kurds have faced challenges in establishing a permanent nation-state, grappling with a sense of not belonging and being unwelcome. The predominantly Kurdish population in Mosul faced discrimination and hostility from the rest of Iraq, intensifying their plight as they became refugees without a place to call their own
Every day brought heart-wrenching scenes of families fleeing their homes, children in tow, searching for safety. Men, overcome with emotion, scrounged for rations, unsure of when they would eat again or if their families would ever be truly safe. These innocent individuals had been exploited by ISIS, used as human shields and stripped of their basic human rights.
Amidst the turmoil, one tragic incident stood out—an FBR volunteer providing aid to a man who had recently escaped with his family. The man's uncertainty about his son's whereabouts turned into a devastating reality when he received a chilling text message from an ISIS member. In an act of unspeakable cruelty, ISIS beheaded the young boy and sent a photo of the horrifying act to his grieving father. These stories of brutality and despair underscore the pressing need for compassion, support, and assistance for refugees and those who suffer displacement and loss.
In the face of immense adversity, the Free Burma Rangers demonstrated unwavering dedication to treating the people of Mosul as human beings, restoring their dignity, and reminding them of their inherent humanity. Their tireless efforts exemplify the importance of offering solace, aid, and compassion to those enduring unimaginable hardship. I am honored to have been able to show love and support through our actions with these amazing people and the resilent people of Mosul
The city of Mosul, scarred by conflict, serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by its people. However, within the darkness, the resilience of the human spirit and the compassion shown by organizations like the Free Burma Rangers offer a glimmer of hope. It is our collective duty to extend our support, amplify their voices, and work towards creating a world where no one has to endure such suffering.
This video vignette was shot during the 2017 Battle for Mosul and features the videographer who was embedded with the 9th division of the Iraqi military and the Free Burma Rangers, an NGO focused on providing aid to people in conflict zones. It showcases the intense and dangerous conditions experienced during the battle, as well as the efforts of the Iraqi military and the Free Burma Rangers to provide assistance to the affected population. It offers insights into the challenges faced by civilians and aid organizations in war-torn areas like West Mosul.