Description
A mineral spa in northern Iraq is regaining popularity as renovation work has brought back visitors, in a city once under jihadist rule where mass executions were carried out. Hisham Khaled as a child often visited the Hamam al-Alil baths with his father but since the facility's restoration he comes alone. His father, a policeman, was executed near the baths by the Islamic State (IS) group in 2016. Located 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of Mosul, Hamam al-Alil, meaning the baths of the sick in Arabic, built a solid reputation over decades with its therapeutic sulphurous waters. But the spa and surrounding village, sharing the same name, is now also known for massacres committed by IS during its occupation of the area. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES