The same year that the self-proclaimed caliphate Islamic State came into existence – 2014 – Lorenzo Meloni began tracing its wars and landgrabs, as well as its loosening grip on certain cities. Returning to Libya in July 2016, Meloni spent weeks covering the Libyan unity government’s campaign to capture the city of Sirte from ISIS forces. As has been widely reported and recognised by global media, the latter resorted to using suicide car bombs and landmines to deter the attackers, resulting in high casualties. Due to this, Libyan fighters had to methodically check every piece of captured property for traps. On December 2016, Sirte was totally liberated from ISIS presence.
Lorenzo Meloni (b.1983) is known for his searing, artfully drawn photographs covering conflicts in the Middle East. Though he is often working on the frontline, having covered some of the most pivotal battles in the war against ISIS, post-colonialism and its history are central concerns in his work. Living in Beirut from 2012 to 2014, Meloni dedicated himself to long-term projects regarding the aftermath of the fall of Gaddafi in Libya, and the conflict in Syria and its impact in Lebanon. Meloni became a full member of Magnum Photos in 2020. His work has been featured in global publications, including The Telegraph, TIME, Le Figaro and Vanity Fair.
