Joy for youngsters as reconstructed bridge to connect Mosul is opened

Iraqi children walk over the Nineveh bridge, previously known as Mosul’s Old Bridge, during an inauguration ceremony following its reconstruction in the troubled city. Some of Mosul’s bridges were blown up by Islamic State group jihadists as they faced a nine-month Iraqi onslaught, while others were destroyed by government forces and the firepower of a Us-led coalition backing them up.

The newly reconstructed bridge connecting East and West Mosul was officially opened by Prime Minister Haider al-abadi yesterday.

The United Nations Development Program has begun 350 regeneration projects in Iraq, which is trying to rebuild itself after a long period of conflict.