Al-Khalidiya, Iraq

Al-Khalidiya (Arabic: الخالدية, also Al-Khaldiya, Khalidiya, Khalediya) is a city in Al-Anbar Province, in central Iraq, on the southern banks of river Euphrates.

It was founded in 1969 as a settlement for Assyrian Christian families who were displaced as a result of the closure of RAF Habbaniya, though it is now predominantly populated by Sunni Arabs.

[1] The city was named after Khalid Shakar, deputy of Iraqi Baath party founder Fuad al-Rikabi.

North of Al-Khaldiya, on the northern banks of Euphrates river, the peninsula of Khalidiya Island is located.

Although the city was recaptured by Iraqi security forces, only four buildings remained after intense fighting between ISIL militants and security forces.