Life under ISIL in Iraq’s Kirkuk

World Today

IRAQ-CONFLICT-DISPLACEDIraqi displaced families arrive in an area controlled by the Peshmerga forces, some 55 kilometres west of Iraqi city of Kirkuk, on August 21, 2016 after they left their northern village of Hawija to escape from Islamic State (IS) group jihadists. (AFP PHOTO / Marwan IBRAHIM)

Staying in the Middle East where the fight against ISIL continues but those suffering the most are the civilians caught up in the conflict.

It’s a desperate scene in Kirkuk in Iraq where a humanitarian crisis is developing among civilians stranded between ISIL and Peshmerga territory with nowhere to go.

CCTV’s Michal Bardavid reports.

Life in Kirkuk, Iraqm defines desperation.

At the frontline between ISIL militants and Peshmerge forces, hundreds of civilians are stranded.

They have managed to flee ISIL territory, but they have yet to find safety. With all the refugee camps in the area full, they have no place to go.

Families with children are enduring the harshest of conditions. They are left under the heat with no food, no water and no shelter.

Many of the young ones are suffering, often defeated by the circumstances. Some are even seen unconscious.

Peshmerga soldiers distributed some necessities such as milk for children, but that is not enough for their survival.

The situation is also dire for Peshmerga soldiers as ISIL militants are known to hide among fleeing civilians.

It’s not clear what will happen to the civilians trapped here. Many hope the Kurdistan Regional Government or an international NGO will come for their rescue. Until then, their struggle continues.