Al-Khalidiya, Iraq


Al-Khaldiya is a city in Al-Anbar Province, in central Iraq on the southern banks of river Euphrates. It was founded in 1969 as a settlement for Assyrian Christian families who were displaced as a result of the closure of RAF Habbaniya, though it is now predominantly populated by Sunni Arabs. North of Al-Khaldiya, on the northern banks of Euphrates river, the peninsula of Khalidiya Island is located.
Al-Khalidiya was captured by ISIL. Although the city was recaptured by Iraqi security forces, only four buildings remained after intense fighting.