Qayyara, near Mosul – Since the start of the military offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group on October 17, the number of internally displaced people has risen to nearly 30,000, according to the United Nations.

During the past week alone, more than 10,000 refugees were forced to flee the areas surrounding Mosul. Some on foot, others in small boats crossing the Tigris river.

Due to the growing crises of displaced people, many camps have already been set up across Iraq, such as Dibaga and al-Khazir. More camps are still under construction, including Hassan Sham, a camp on the road to Mosul in the eastern part of the city. 

In the past three days, nearly 1,200 families have arrived at the Hassan Sham camp, according to Sadiq Mohammed, the camp’s deputy director. Inside the camp, many woman are seen removing the black veil which ISIL imposed on them over the past two years.

This is also the first time that many families are able to reunite amid tears and hugs.