Iraqi Forces Retake al-Nuri Mosque Complex in Mosul

MOSUL, IRAQ - JUNE 29, 2017: An Iraqi commando stands near the base of the ruined Hadba minaret in Mosul's al-Nuri mosque complex on June 29, 2017. The Iraqi Army, Special Operations Forces and Counter-Terrorism Services made a new advance on Mosul"u2019s Old City and the al-Nuri Mosque complex, where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi announced his caliphate in 2014. As Iraqi and coalition forces attacked the Old City, retreating Islamic State fighters demolished the mosque"u2019s historic "u2018hunchback"u2019 minaret that loomed over Mosul"u2019s skyline for hundreds of years. Now, the mosque lies in ruins, and Iraqi forces encounter terrified civilians and suspect IS holdouts emerging from the rubble. (Photo by Laurent Van der Stockt, Le Monde/Getty Images Reportage)