PHOTOS: Iraqi Forces Battle ISIS in Mosul January 23, 2017

In a new photos from Mosul, students are shown returning to normal life in the al-Zuhur and Gogjali neighborhoods after Iraqi forces with the America coalition pushed the Islamic State out. In October, the American coalition, consisting of the Iraqi Army, the Kurdish Peshmerga, Shia militias like the PMU, Christian militias, and the Turkish Nineveh Guard, descended upon Mosul to free it from the Islamic State. The official operation began on October 17 when it was announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, reports the BBC. These are the most recent pictures from the region.

Heavy is an independent news organization. We report acts of terror and violence so that the public may be fully informed. This may include content considered graphic, which is identified. We do not support, in any way, the individuals or organizations involved.

Haled Hassan Ali, the director of a school in Mosul’s al-Zuhur neighborhood, opens the gate of his school on January 23, 2017, as scores of schools resumed their activities in the areas government forces recently recaptured from the Islamic State (DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP/Getty Images)

Next Image: IRAQ-CONFLICT-MOSUL-SCHOOL