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Special to WorldTribune.com

Vianney LE CAER is a freelance photojournalist (Instagram @vlecaer) currently based in Irbil,  Kurdistan Region of Iraq, who sent the following along with his exclusive photos on Aug. 7:

“Last night I witnessed here a vast gathering of Peshmerga (Kurdish soldiers) and armed civilians taking to the streets of the city to display their military power and show they are not afraid of a potential assault from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.”

As the fighting rages between the ISIL and the Peshmerga in Gwer, only 40 kilometers separate the forces of the “Caliphate” from Kurdistan’s capital city, and the possible fall of Irbil has now become a reality. Peshmerga from President Barzani’s Kurdish Democratic Party, as well as civilian sympathizers proclaimed their confidence and resolve to drive ISIL out of Kurdistan and protect their city. The spirit is willing but are the weapons available?

  Kurdistan, Vianney LE CAER, Who’s afraid of the ISIL? Exclusive photos from the streets of Irbil, WorldTribune.com