A Christian town in Iraq that has been controlled by ISIS since 2014, finally celebrated its first Christmas in years.
- Iraq town celebrates first Christmas in years, free from ISIS control
- Town was liberated in October
- Single Christmas tree stands in middle of town
Bartella, Iraq, a town near Mosul, was liberated in October, but acts of war have left the area in pieces.
However, a single Christmas tree stands tall in the middle of town, representing a faith that can't be broken.
"We have to have hope in this life. If we don't have hope then we are finished," resident Nori Younani said.
Conditions are still fragile in the town, so armed soldiers were placed outside of the church doors as a precaution.