The Peshmerga, after 16 hours of fasting and manning their posts at Hassan Sham relax to enjoy a big Iftar meal.

The Peshmerga cook their meals themselves. The Peshmerga in this area led the fight against ISIS, handing the group its first defeats.

Strategic Hassan Sham, 40 kilometers west of Erbil, has several IDP camps which the Peshmerga still guard.

At the height of displacement more than 1.8 million Iraqis including 200,000 Syrians were given shelter in the Kurdistan Region.

Peshmerga are concerned that they may not receive their May salaries until after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which is expected to be around June 15.

Photos: Mohammed Shwani | Rudaw