Sharon Behn

Humanitarian Disaster in Fallujah

Iraqi Special Forces Retake Fallujah Government Building

Coalition airstrikes continue to pound IS targets, hitting two tactical units and destroying six heavy machine guns

Aid Agencies Race to Help Families Fleeing IS-held Fallujah

Some 42,000 people have already fled Fallujah since Iraqi security forces, backed by coalition airstrikes and militias, launched offensive to retake city from IS control

Iraqi Peshmerga Appeal for More Weapons for Fight Against IS

Backed by U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, Iraqi Kurdish fighters known as Peshmerga have been at the front lines of the war against Islamic State extremists. But Peshmerga commanders say they don't have the right weapons for the fight. VOA's Sharon Behn reports from the Mosul front line.

Iraqi Peshmerga Appeal for More Weapons for Anti-IS Fight

Backed by US-led coalition airstrikes, Iraqi Kurdish fighters have been at the front lines of the war against Islamic State extremists

UNHCR Warns of Massive Displacement in Battle for Mosul

14,000 Iraqis have fled their homes following renewed Iraqi offensive against IS southeast of city; eventual assault on city could displace estimated 600,000

Thousands Flee Fallujah as Iraq Army Secures Safe Exit

Civilians desperately escaping war are facing horrific suffering; more than 7,000 have left city in last few days, UN reports

Peshmerga Fighter's Life on Hold

When the fight began against Islamic State extremists two years ago, Iraqi Kurds from all walks of life left their families and joined the fighters known as Peshmerga. VOA's Sharon Behn talked to one such fighter on the front line.

Peshmerga Leave Dreams to Fight Islamic State

Two years ago Renas Rasheed had been training to be a world class body builder and trainer, but as other Iraqi Kurds, he joined fighters known as Peshmerga

Under Fire, IS Leaves Behind Bombs, Tunnels and Qurans

Iraqi Kurdish fighters take on Islamic State militants, pushing their front line toward the extremist stronghold of Mosul

Some 20,000 Children Feared Trapped in Fallujah

Families unable to leave as fighting rages for control of city that Islamic State militants seized more than two years ago

Civilian Casualties in Fierce Battle for Fallujah

Iraqi forces trying to retake the city that has been under IS control for more than two years

Anti-IS Forces Advance on Iraq, Syria Militant Strongholds

Military officials say gains made in Fallujah, north of Mosul and around Raqqa

'We Lived Like Animals' Under IS Rule in Fallujah

Iraqi forces, backed by coalition airstrikes and Shi'ite militias, have ringed most of the city

Iraq's Lawmakers Prepare to Negotiate as Bombs Hit Baghdad

Lawmakers on Monday were expected to begin process of negotiation aimed at cracking country's monthlong political paralysis; earlier, Baghdad rocked by bombings by IS militants

Iraqi Security Forces Storm Fallujah in Bid to Retake City

Thousands of residents are trapped inside IS-held city as Iraqi security forces begin operation to retake city from Islamic State extremists who have held it for more than two years

Protesters Ignore Government, Take to Baghdad's Streets

Demonstration begins peacefully, soon devolves into clashes; shots are fired into the air as demonstrators push past security forces in Tahrir Square

Families Fleeing Iraq’s Fallujah in ‘State of Shock’

Humanitarian situation in city reportedly desperate, no safe routes for civilians to escape fighting between Iraqi forces, IS militants

IS Using Civilians as Human Shields in Fallujah

Iraqi forces backed by assortment of Shi'ite militias, face harsh resistance in multi-sided offensive to retake Fallujah from Islamic State extremists who have controlled city since 2014

UN Fears for Fallujah Civilians as Iraq Begins Offensive

UN refugee agency concerned about estimated 10,000 families possibly trapped in city as Iraqi forces attempt to retake it from IS militants