The article describes the aftermath of the battle against ISIS in the Zanjili neighborhood of west Mosul, highlighting the extensive destruction and the challenges of reconstruction and reconciliation. The UN estimates that repairing Mosul's infrastructure will cost over $1.3bn. The article includes accounts from locals who have witnessed the devastation and death, including a mass grave of 151 people. It also discusses the discrepancy between the US-led coalition's civilian casualty figures and those reported by Airwars. The Iraqi government has not yet begun reconstruction, and security concerns persist with ISIS sleeper cells still present. The article touches on the poor conditions in displacement camps and the distrust between Sunni residents and Shia soldiers. Human Rights Watch criticizes the Iraqi security forces for past abuses, which have fueled ISIS recruitment. The article ends with a local's skepticism about Mosul's recovery and the tensions arising from sectarian symbols and messages in the city.

The article 'Near Dark - The Battle For Mosul' by Martyn Aim discusses the aftermath of the liberation of Mosul from Islamic State (ISIS) control. It describes the intense urban warfare that took place in the Old City of west Mosul, where Iraqi forces fought against ISIS militants in a house-to-house battle. The article also touches on the harrowing experiences of Iraqis who suffered under ISIS, including mass graves, burning oil fields, and human rights abuses such as prisons and slave markets. Despite the liberation, the author emphasizes that the threat of ISIS remains due to their ideology and ability to blend in with civilians, suggesting that the conflict is ongoing and cannot be resolved solely through military means.

The article describes the intense and chaotic final moments of the battle for Mosul's Old City, where Iraqi forces, including the elite Emergency Response Division (ERD) and Federal Police, are fighting to eliminate the last pockets of Islamic State group (IS) resistance. Soldiers navigate through dangerous alleyways and ruined buildings, facing sniper fire, IEDs, and extreme heat. Despite the exhaustion from a 10-month-long battle, the Iraqi forces display bravery and determination. The Federal Police, with limited training, struggle to hold positions, often losing ground overnight. The article conveys the harsh realities of urban warfare, the high spirits and dreams of the soldiers, and the looming victory as the Iraqi Army is set to declare full control over the city.

Nearly nine months after the Iraqi forces' offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State, the country's second-largest city was officially declared 'liberated' on July 9. The recapture of this major urban stronghold from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's fighters came at the cost of thousands of deaths and injuries, massive population exodus, and extensive destruction. New Zealand photographer Martyns Aims has been with the Iraqi forces since the battle for Mosul began on October 17, 2016. His images depict the despair of a city in ruins, the distress of civilians trapped between ISIS and war, and the violence exacerbated by heat and dust. The UN Development Programme in Iraq highlights the severe destruction in West Mosul, with infrastructure and public services destroyed over 90%, and private properties 70%. Over a million people have left Mosul since the fighting began, and as of mid-July, more than 825,000 have not returned home. The old city's historical landmarks, including the al-Nouri mosque and its leaning minaret, were destroyed by ISIS. Iraqi forces, trained by the United States and numbering over 100,000, have suffered heavy losses. The UN has called for justice and reconciliation to prevent further violence and suffering for civilians, expressing concern over collective punishment of families linked to ISIS. Bodies floating on the Tigris River and the difficulty for civilians to find shelter highlight the humanitarian crisis. Amnesty International has demanded an independent commission to investigate crimes against civilians by all parties involved.

The article by Andrew Katz features a collection of personal accounts and photographs from various photographers who covered the battle to retake Mosul, Iraq from Islamic State militants. The photographers share their experiences and the significant images they captured, which highlight the intense urban combat, the suffering of civilians, and the aftermath of the conflict. The stories recount moments of violence, loss, and resilience, as well as reflections on the impact of the war on both the city and its inhabitants. The article also touches on the challenges of documenting such a conflict and the emotional toll it takes on those who witness it firsthand. The photographers' narratives provide a glimpse into the human side of war, emphasizing the need for reflection on the human cost of the battle for Mosul.