When ISIL loses territory, it does not leave without a trace. In many cases, it is the improvised explosive devices or mine traps left behind. But in Qayyara, Iraq, the scene is a little different.

From the sky, the city of Qayyara in Iraq appears to be on fire. Black smoke has been filling the air for nearly one month, a departing gift from the terrorist group ISIL, as it sets oil wells on fire before retreating from the city.

On Tuesday, the Iraqi Oil Ministry reported that fires at six oil wells have been extinguished but oil remains everywhere and on the streets children are playing in it.

Parents, aware of the risks, are furious at the situation. They explain even taking showers does not help as they come out of the water still covered in oil. For them, it is an ongoing catastrophe.

“This is a disaster for the atmosphere, for humans, for trees, fruit, a disaster for animals, really a disaster to everything,” said a Qayyara resident.

“It causes heart disease, difficulties in breathing, allergies; there is no treatment for humans. Most of the trees and fruits have died, a lot of birds and animals also died because of this smoke.”

Oil is known to be one of ISIL’s main sources of financial income. The terrorist organization has been losing ground in Iraq to Peshmergas and Iraqi forces as well as in Syria. Many believe the group is becoming weaker as it loses significant territory.

“Losing Qayyara was like losing its soul for ISIL as the group lost a lot of oil here. Almost half of their oil was from Qayyara and now it’s finished,” said an Iraqi militia fighter.

The liberation of Qayyara brings the U.S.-led coalition and its allies one step closer to freeing the city of Mosul, still in control of ISIL. In the meantime, civilians in Qayyara are suffering because of the consequences of ISIL’s aftermath as they inhale hazardous smoke on a daily basis.