An Iraqi mother from a village just north of Mosul describes how her family managed to survive under harsh ISIS rule, and how they were finally able to escape.

The Battle for Raqqa, expected to be one of the fiercest since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, is intensifying. There is a real risk that as many as 100,000 residents will remain trapped in Raqqa after the assault begins and get caught up in the fighting.

As the battle to retake Mosul from ISIS enters its most dangerous phase, Iraqis are fleeing the city despite the danger of rockets, booby traps and snipers.

Aya was forced to flee her home during the battle to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul from ISIS. Now she's found a safe space at an IRC women's center where she can socialize with other girls, and learn skills to help her take control of her future.

Alina’s family were among the more than 1.5 million Mosul residents trapped when ISIS captured the city in 2014. They died in an airstrike when coalition forces targeted the ISIS fighters who took over their home.

An Iraqi family exemplifies the true spirit of the season and celebrates with the help of the IRC. “It is great to be home for the holidays." says Linda Abid Younis, who lives in Telskof, a town north of Mosul that was retaken from ISIS.