In pics: Iraqis celebrate Mosul victory; PM al-Abadi congratulates army
10 July 2017 12:57 PM IST10 July 2017 12:57 PM IST
Islamic State militants seized it in June 2014 before proclaiming a 'caliphate' straddling Iraq and Syria.
Iraqis celebrated a victory over Islamic State in Mosul, just blocks away from battles raging in the last few districts where the militants are dug in.- Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi has visited Mosul to congratulate Iraqi forces for their 'victory' over Islamic State militants in the city.
- Authorities said, over 30 militants had been killed attempting to escape by swimming across the River Tigris that bisects the city.
- US Department of Defense said the elite Counter Terrorism Service, which has spearheaded the fight in Mosul, had suffered 40 percent losses.
- The city was 'liberated', with 'just one or two pockets' still controlled by IS, his office said in a statement.
- Abadi declared the end of Islamic State's “state of falsehood†a week ago, after security forces retook the mosque
- The battle between Iraqi army and ISIS has left large parts of Mosul in ruins, killed thousands of civilians and displaced nearly one million people.
- There were celebrations in the streets during Mr Abadi's visit but he has not yet given a speech formally declaring triumph.
Iraqis celebrated a victory over Islamic State in Mosul, just blocks away from battles raging in the last few districts where the militants are dug in.
Islamic State militants seized it in June 2014 before proclaiming a 'caliphate' straddling Iraq and Syria.
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