Iraqi Kurdish fighters joined by locals have restored the crucifix above a church in Bashiqa.<br /><br /> It is an act steeped in symbolism for those who had lived under ISIL occupation for two years and the persecution and torture it entailed.<br /><br /> The original cross had been destroyed by the jihadists who forced Christians to pay a tax, convert to Islam, or die by the sword when they took control of the town in 2014.<br /><br /> The town was liberated as part of the offensive to recapture Mosul, which lies some 20 km southwest. <br /><br /> A Peshmerga commander warned against residents from returning too soon, as they were still seeking to secure the town from explosives left in people’s homes by ISIL militants.<br />
