Photos Capture A Desolate Mosul As Offensive Drags On

The U.S.-led offensive to liberate the Iraqi city of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State entered its second month on Thursday.

Various forces have penetrated areas on the outskirts on the city in the past few weeks but are still facing resistance from ISIS fighters, who have controlled Mosul for two years.

The capture of Mosul has destroyed a once-vibrant city, and the offensive has only compounded the desecration. ISIS reportedly executed more than 200 people recently and has used tens of thousands of people as human shields against advancing Iraqi forces, the United Nations said.

Photographer Chris McGrath captured snapshots of the city using the panoramic feature on an iPhone 6. The black-and-white images reflect the tragic toll war takes on landscapes. Although 1 million people are still believed to be trapped inside the city, the photos reflect the desolation and emptiness that are a product of countless airstrikes.