Politics
20:39, 10-Dec-2017
Iraq holds military parade celebrating victory over ISIL
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An Iraqi military parade celebrating final victory over ISIL is underway in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, an Iraqi military spokesman told Reuters on Sunday.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared final victory over ISIL on Saturday after Iraqi forces drove its last remnants from the country, three years after the militant group captured about a third of Iraq's territory.
Iraqi federal police members were seen during an Iraqi military parade in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, Iraq, December 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Iraqi federal police members were seen during an Iraqi military parade in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, Iraq, December 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Iraqi forces recaptured the last areas still under ISIL control along the border with Syria and secured the western desert, Abadi said, thus marking the end of the war against the militants.
His announcement comes two days after the Russian military announced the defeat of the militants in neighboring Syria, where Moscow is backing Syrian government forces.
Abadi declared December 10 an annual national holiday.
Launcher vehicles of Iraqi army were seen during an Iraqi military parade in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, Iraq, December 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Launcher vehicles of Iraqi army were seen during an Iraqi military parade in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, Iraq, December 10, 2017. /Reuters Photo
The parade was not being broadcast live and only state media was allowed to attend, but several squadrons of Iraqi helicopters flew over Baghdad on Saturday carrying Iraqi flags in a rehearsal for the victory parade.
Fighter jets were seen and heard flying over Baghdad's skies on Sunday.
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Source(s): Reuters