U.S. congratulates Iraq on 1st anniv. of costly victory over Islamic State

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has congratulated the Iraqi people on the first anniversary of Iraq’s military victory against Islamic State.

In a statement published Monday on its Facebook page, the embassy said it will continue to cooperate with the Iraqi government to achieve aspirations of its people.

“We continue to work closely with the government of Iraq, supporting it to achieve security, stability, and economic prosperity for all Iraqis,” the statement read.

Former Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against Islamic State in Iraq on December 9, 2017 three years after the militant group captured about a third of Iraq’s territory. On July 10 that year, the former premier had formally declared victory over Islamic State extremists in Mosul, which served as the terrorists’ main urban stronghold.

The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.

Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.