Angelina Jolie tours war-torn Mosul: 'The worst devastation I have seen'

For years it was the most dangerous place on Earth, but today Angelina Jolie strolled the streets of Mosul, urging the international community to help the Iraqi city rebuild.

"They are here on their own with very little support, next to nothing," Ms Jolie, a United Nations special envoy, said.

"They are rebuilding themselves with their bare hands, they are removing the rubble with their bare hands."

It was the actress' fifth visit to Iraq, but first since Islamic State were forced from the city in one of the bloodiest battles of the 21st century.

"There are bodies in this rubble that stay here," Ms Jolie said.

"You can smell the bodies and some of them have family members that are here and they are unable to move them.

"This is the worst devastation I have seen in all my years with UNHCR."

The Academy Award winner's visit coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid, marking the end of Ramadan.

"They are so happy because the last Eid they were under occupation and suffering and this Eid they have nothing, but they are free," she said.