 On 18 August , Iraqi troops entered Mosul where they were given an enthusiastic reception by its Muslim inhabitants . Triumphant arches were erected and decorated with melons pierced with daggers , symbolising the heads of murdered Assyrians . The crown prince Ghazi himself came to the city to award ' victorious ' colours to those military and tribal leaders who participated in the massacres and the looting . Anti @-@ Christian feeling was at its height in Mosul , and the Christians of the city were largely confined to their homes during the whole month in fear of further action by the frenzied mob . 
