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 SunniArabs. 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.

Al-Khalidiya was captured by ISIL militants in 2014. Although the city was recaptured by Iraqi security forces, only four buildings remained after intense fighting between ISIL militants and security forces.