A Sudden Call to War

Alessandro Pavone, an experienced war journalist in Dubai, spent three years covering the brutal battle against ISIS in Iraq. His journey began unexpectedly in 2014 when, while on assignment in Afghanistan, he received an urgent call: “Pack your gear, we need you in Erbil tomorrow.” With no prior experience in Iraq, he found himself at the frontline near Kalak, witnessing thousands of displaced Iraqis fleeing the Islamic State.

The conditions were dire—families walked for miles across the Nineveh plains, carrying only what they could. Makeshift camps became home to tens of thousands, with unbearable heat reaching 120°F. Even Pavone’s video equipment would overheat, making filming nearly impossible.

The Battle for Mosul Turns into a Media Frenzy

By 2016, as Iraqi and Kurdish forces launched the offensive to retake Mosul, international media flooded the region. The warzone transformed into a chaotic stage—drones flew overhead, social media correspondents live-streamed from the battlefield, and war reporters dodged gunfire while capturing footage.

Pavone, working alongside special correspondent Jane Ferguson, navigated this unpredictable environment with minimal resources. Without a field producer, they relied on local contacts and quick decision-making to stay safe while embedded with the Iraqi military.

The Reality of War: Snipers, Land Mines, and Fear

Mosul’s streets were filled with deadly obstacles. ISIS snipers targeted anything that moved—soldiers, civilians, and journalists alike. The ever-present risk of stepping on a land mine added to the tension. Pavone recalls moments of sheer terror when Iraqi officers would suddenly yell, “Yalla, yalla! (Go, Go!),” signaling it was time to rush into combat.

Inside the old city, where the final battle took place, the devastation was unimaginable. Buildings were reduced to rubble, the air was thick with the smell of death, and starving families emerged from the ruins. With armored vehicles unable to navigate the narrow streets, Iraqi forces escorted journalists on foot, making every step a potential last one.

Victory, But at What Cost?

After nine months of relentless fighting, Mosul was liberated. Slowly, life began to return—markets reopened, students went back to schools, and for the first time in years, residents could carry phones without fear of execution. Yet, Pavone sensed that this was only the beginning of another violent chapter.

A Journalist’s Commitment to Storytelling

Pavone’s work as a video journalist in Dubai has taken him from high-end productions in the UAE to some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. Despite the risks, he remains committed to telling the human stories behind war. His experiences in Iraq have left an indelible mark, ensuring that he will return — because some stories must be told.

Contact Alessandro Pavone Today

Contact us today for inquiries about documentary filmmaking services in Dubai and beyond. Let’s bring your story to life with compelling, high-quality cinematography.

Contact: +971 55 847 6982 | a.pavone@mac.com

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2017 - PBS News- Here’s what I learned from 3 years reporting in Iraq