Refugees, who fled Fallujah when it fell into the hands of Islamic State in 2014, have begun to return to home. It's been three months since the Iraqi government recaptured the city. 85-thousand Iraqis became refugees under ISIL' control of Fallujah. Now that the city and nearby areas are once again under control of the Iraqi government, the city is safe for refugees to begin rebuilding their lives.
Returning home.
After a long time as refugees, Sheikh Ahmad and his family returned to their hometown of Karma.
This town is east of Fallujah. In late May, it and territories near it were brought under government control by Iraq's security forces and supporting militia.
Refugees hailed the government's first significant victory in its push to reclaim Fallujah because it meant their days of homelessness were coming to an end. Fallujah itself soon came under government control.
But Sheikh Ahmad said his family are still reeling from their time under ISIL.
"The fighting was very fierce. There was constant shelling and bombing. We had to stay inside the house. The bullets just flew by in front of our noses. Life was very difficult. I had no job and no food. We almost could not survive," he said.
Sheikh Ahmad is one of thousands who have fought their way home and started to rebuild their lives.
Now life is slowly beginning to return to normal, with soldiers stationed at checkpoints to protect the town, and the army clearing the debris left by battle.
"We have cleared most of the explosive devices and bombs on the roads. The northern part of Fallujah has been cleared. If the infrastructure facilities can be restored by September 15, refugees can return," said Sa'ad, Harbeia, commander of West Baghdad Operations.
Power and water supplies are still scarce. But residents have started to return home over the past few weeks.
And some stores and pharmacies have reopened, providing medical services for returnees.
"The infrastructure has generally been restored. The power supply should soon be reconnected in more areas. Now we have water supplies four hours a day. Every day 40 to 50 families return, and there will be more. Without residents, the city will not be restored. More are coming back. The city will be better," said Sheikh Turki Al-Jumaili, Karma resident.
As hard as it may be, Ahmad said he feels fortunate to be able to return and remains hopeful that he can resume a normal life.
"I love my hometown. Even if there was only one date palm tree left here, it still would be much better than being displaced from home. I feel so relieved here because I can have my dignity and feel valuable again. I also feel safe because the security forces are nearby. Our lives will get better," Sheikh Ahmad said.
