IRAQ. Albu Ajeel, Salahaddin Province. February 3, 2016. Balasim, a Sunni villager from Albu Ajeel, survived a deadly attempt to flee Islamic State controlled area near Hawijah in which two people, including the mother of the young boy he is holding, were killed after stepping on a mine.
Balasim carried the boy in his arms during the entire journey, and was photographed in a burned out house in Albu Ajeel shortly after reaching the safety of this village.
In order to help Balasim and other families cope, the International Committee of the Red Cross distributes food parcels to returnees and has also rehabilitated the water supply to Albu Ajeel residents.