ISIS opens five star luxury hotel in Iraq

A 262-key luxury hotel in Mosul has been re-opened by militant group ISIS with a firework display and plenty of social media exposure.

ISIS announced via Twitter accounts associated with the group that they have re-opened a hotel believed to be the Ninawa International Hotel.

The hotel’s former branding has been removed and the property is being cleaned and maintained, if the photos posted on the group’s social media are to be believed, local media reports. However, the decorative stonework on the property has been destroyed.

Ninawa Hotel had been forced to shut when the group first invaded Mosul over a year ago, and, according to local media in the region, has been re-opened for visiting ISIS commanders and dignitaries.

The launch took place on 1 May, with Muslims invited to attend for free. ISIS flags were flown in front of the hotel, many people seemed to join in the festivities and a firework display was given at night, according to the group’s social media photos.

The new ISIS-operated property has a ballroom, pool, tennis courts and gymnasium.