I knew little or nothing about the Middle East region back in the early 2000s. But this changed after the US led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

As a curious lad, my eyes were glued to CNN for daily updates of the operation.

Basra: this city was taken by the British, US staunch ally during the invasion.

Nasiriya: the southern port city taken by US forces.

Baghdad: Iraqi capital which also fell to the coalition.

Tikrit: Sadam Husein's hometown after his capture

Afghan war

The US also invaded Afghanistan following the 911 terror attacks on the US homeland.

Nonetheless, I learnt that the country's capital is Kabul.

Arab spring

Egypt
Following the ouster of president Hosni Mubarak, I learnt about Alexandria. Nevertheless, Cairo has also been popular as the Egyptian capital.

Libya
The bloody civil war that engulfed Libya in the wake of the Arab spring revealed to me the following cities.
Sirte
Tripoli
Misrata
Bengazi

Syria
The ongoing Syrian war by Assad led government and opposition forces has also unveiled some cities which often make headlines.

Aleppo
Homs
Damascus

Borno
Bayesa
Nigeria

Odi
Zaka biam
Gundubali
Potiskum
Buni yadi
Chibok
Bama