CNN’s Barbara Starr: My secret trip to the Mideast
CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr and photojournalist Khalil Abdallah take a selfie with a C-17 transport plane before flying from Tampa, Florida, to the Mideast. CNN and a couple other journalists were asked to make this trip by Gen. Joseph Votel, who is overseeing the U.S.-led coalition war against ISIS in Syria and Iraq,
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Inside the C-17 as it flies over the Atlantic Ocean. The photo was taken from inside one of the cots set up for sleeping.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
The U.S. Air Force pilots who flew the C-17 into Kuwait.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
The "silver bullet" trailer in the plane's working quarters is for the VIPs on board. It is where classified meetings can take place.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
One military member finds a cozy spot to sleep in the back of the plane during the flight.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Once in Baghdad, Iraq, Starr sends one last email before the door to a heavily armored truck is shut.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Arriving in Baghdad at sunset, the CNN crew jumped into a helicopter and was taken to its quarters for the night.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
A helicopter gunner keeps watch over Taji, Iraq, as CNN flies into the next location.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Gen. Votel meets troops at Taji air base.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Starr and Abdallah work under moonlight.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Military members keep constant watch aboard a plane in Iraq.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
In northern Syria, Votel meets rebels from the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Female fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Khalil Abdallah/CNN
Journalists send one last email on the plane before taking off to return home.
