Seven Years since the Great Victory… (INA) Remembers Heroic Epics that Paved the Path to Victory over Terrorism

 
Baghdad – INA 

Edited by: Ali Jassim Al-Suwad

Seven years have passed since the monumental victory over terrorism, and the people of Iraq continue to hold dear the memories of those moments when the flag of Iraq was raised once again over every inch of the homeland. 
These memories are filled with tales of heroism, written by the sons of Iraq from all sectors, as they steadfastly confronted the evil forces that sought to undermine the dignity of the nation. This was after terrorist factions had seized parts of the land of civilization and sacred sites, and when the world had begun to believe that Iraq had faded amidst the chaos of the terrorist faces that came from all directions. But it was impossible for Iraq to vanish, for it is the birthplace of history and civilization, and it harbors on its land sacred sites that have been protected for centuries. This was further reinforced by the voice of the religious authority, represented by the highest authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who issued a monumental fatwa that restored balance, inspired fervor, and outlined a roadmap for the armed forces, backed by a popular mobilization force that united the people of the nation, regardless of their affiliations. The victory was achieved, the land was liberated, and the world was astonished by the steadfastness and bravery of the Iraqis.
 
Today, as we commemorate this significant occasion during a time of heightened sensitivity in the region, with developments unfolding in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, our armed forces remain vigilant, stationed across every inch of the homeland. They stand resolute, sending a message to terrorism that Iraq will not succumb to the ambitions of those who dream of destabilizing it.
In this context, Minister of Defense Thabet Muhammad al-Abbasi affirmed that the morning of December 10th marked the dawn of a new chapter in Iraq’s modern history, thanks to the sacrifices of the heroes of our security forces in all their forms, as well as the popular mobilization forces, who shed their pure blood in the fight against the terrorist ISIS factions.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Minister of Defense said: "Today, we celebrate the seventh anniversary of the great victory achieved by our valiant armed forces from all branches and formations over terrorism. Our brave forces, with the support of their proud people, wrote an immortal epic during this legendary campaign, which lasted three years of fierce battles, sacrifices, and the shedding of blood by martyrs and the wounded, achieving the greatest victory over the most ruthless terrorist organization in history."
 
He added, “The morning of December 10th illuminated a new chapter in the history of modern Iraq, written by the heroes of the Iraqi Army, alongside the valiant forces of the Federal Police, the Counter-Terrorism Service, the Popular Mobilization Forces, the Tribal Forces, the Peshmerga, and the steadfast people of Iraq.”
He continued, “This light was paved by the pure bloodshed of those who fought to protect the honor, land, and sacred sites. The heroes fought for their homeland and national soil, for their sacred shrines, with the spirit of unity deeply embedded in their hearts. They displayed unmatched bravery, never wavering in their commitment to defend the homeland and its people.”
In turn, Minister of Interior Abd al-Amir al-Shammari emphasized today, Tuesday, that Iraq has become a nation that is now globally recognized, thanks to the immense sacrifices of the security forces.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Shammari said: “It was not merely a war; it was a fate forged with the swords of courage, cutting down those who believed they could trample the land of Iraq.”
He added: "On this December 10th, the day of our glorious victory over terrorism, we remember the meanings that were written in the blood of the martyrs and the wounded. These are the heroes we witnessed marching forward with confident steps, paving the way for future generations to follow the path of noble freedom."
Moreover, Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Qais al-Mohammedawi, confirmed on Tuesday that the great sacrifices of the righteous martyrs and brave wounded will remain an eternal responsibility upon the shoulders of the free.
In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), al-Mohammedawi stated: “On December 10, 2017, Iraq witnessed a great epic and a resilience that has become a school for future generations, with sacrifices that laid the foundation for a new chapter in Iraq’s proud history. It marked the nation’s rise from the depths of despair to the light of victory, driven by the determination of its courageous sons who rejected humiliation and sought freedom.”
He continued, “This victory was achieved only through the great fatwa issued by the wise religious authority, the perseverance that astounded the world by the heroic security forces, and a patient, proud people who refuse to bow to tyranny, and who hold martyrdom and victory dear.”
He further added: “Blessed battalions united to secure the victory of this great nation, with one heart, spirit, and strength, to repel all those who dared to threaten the land of Iraq and its ancient civilization.”
He emphasized: "The Iraqis recorded great moments of unity, proving to the world who the true sons of this land are. The immense sacrifices of the righteous martyrs and brave wounded will forever remain a trust upon the shoulders of the free.”
 
Breaking the Backbone of Terrorism
In turn, the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, Lieutenant General Karim al-Tamimi, affirmed that the resolve of the armed forces remains unyielding, drawing strength from the lessons learned and acquiring new expertise in various types of combat across diverse environments and conditions.
Al-Tamimi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Each year, we remember this significant anniversary in the hearts of all Iraqis—the liberation of our generous land from the dark ISIS gangs that sought to erase Iraq’s honorable name from the map of existence. Yet, with the might of the heroes in the Counter-Terrorism Service, alongside the other security forces, and with the solidarity of the Iraqi people and the wisdom of our religious leadership, we were able to break the backbone of terrorism and achieve our resounding victory.”
He added, "The security and stability that were achieved through these tremendous sacrifices have had a profound impact on sustaining everyday life in the liberated areas. Our armed forces emerged with unwavering determination, drawing on the lessons learned and gaining new combat expertise in diverse environments and under various conditions."
He continued, “It is important to highlight the significant support provided by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who has been instrumental in backing the security agencies under all their forms, offering the necessary assistance to complete the arming and equipping processes, and enhancing the combat readiness of all branches.”

 

 

Support for the Armed Forces
 
The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee affirmed that the support provided to the armed forces is significant and ongoing, with efforts continuing at full pace.
 
Ali Al-Saadi, a member of the committee, stated in a comment to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "On this anniversary of our victory, I can only say that liberation came through the blood of our sons and youth. They are the first and final credit for safeguarding our land, honor, and unity. It is their steadfastness, along with the solidarity of our people and their unwavering support for the military and security forces that led to this triumph."
 
He added, "The support for the armed and security forces is substantial and continues relentlessly, with the largest share of the national budget allocated to them." 
He also called for "providing them with land allocations, banking facilities, and other services that ensure a dignified life, recognizing their sacrifices in protecting the people."
 
Haider Al-Muhayyawi, MP and the member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "We congratulate all segments of the Iraqi people on the occasion of Victory Day and Iraq’s triumph over terrorism."
 
He noted, "Iraq’s victory over terrorism was made possible thanks to the fatwa on sufficient jihad issued by His Eminence Ali al-Sistani, which was the true cornerstone of the fighters’ resilience on the battlefields against the criminal gangs."
 
Al-Muhayyawi continued, "Today, the security institutions, with all their capabilities, are no longer the same as they were in 2014. Today, we have an army with a clear ideology, alongside the Federal Police, Rapid Response Forces, Counter-Terrorism Service, Peshmerga, and intelligence agencies that conduct high-quality operations targeting and eliminating ISIS cells."
 
He affirmed: "Today, our people, army, and security forces are united and steadfast. The days we endured can never be relived, despite the conspiracies surrounding us and Iraq."
 He further highlighted that "the current political and security situation is harmonious, and there is a significant awareness among the Iraqi people. They have learned from the painful experiences in which the forces of evil tried to play on sectarian, national, and regional divides. They failed, because Iraqis are united in love, cooperation, and shared blood, religion, and nationhood."
 
Facing Challenges
 
In a related context, Deputy and spokesperson for the State of Law Coalition, Aqeel Al-Fatlawi, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Victory Day is a great day, marked by memories of the past and the resolute determination of the Iraqis to stand united against all attempts to destabilize the security and safety of Iraq.” 
He added, “Iraqis are united, facing all challenges head-on. We are closely monitoring the situation in Syria, where there are some unexpected developments, but we have great confidence in the capabilities of all our security forces( army, police, border forces, Popular Mobilization, or Peshmerga). We are assured that they are fully prepared to confront any threats to Iraq’s security and safety.”
 
Al-Fatlawi concluded, “The anniversary of Victory Day will continue to serve as a rallying point to galvanize all efforts against anyone who seeks to harm the soil and security of Iraq.”
 
Mohammad Al-Baldawi, the spokesperson for the Sadikun Parliamentary Bloc, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The most significant change in the Middle East, especially in the Gulf region and the Levant after the fall of the repressive regimes, was the establishment of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which supported the security forces in the war against terrorism."

 

He explained, "After the successive attacks that followed the collapse of the repressive regimes, particularly in Iraq, and the rise of extremist organizations like Al-Qaeda and later ISIS, which committed horrific crimes against the Iraqi people and could have destroyed the entire region, the fatwa from the religious authority and the formation of the Popular Mobilization Forces became a strong shield to protect the homeland. They also provided crucial support to military units across all formations."
Turning the Tide
 
In a related statement, the spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Major General Yahya Rasool, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Victory over terrorism was achieved thanks to the pure and sacred blood of all members of the Iraqi Armed Forces who participated in the battles of liberation. They fought some of the most intense operations and succeeded in cleansing and expelling the terrorist gangs from Iraqi soil." 
He pointed out that "the fatwa issued by His Eminence Ali al-Sistani for sufficient Jihad turned the tables and led the brave sons of Iraq to liberate the areas that were under the control of ISIS terrorist gangs."
 
He continued, "Today, on the seventh anniversary of our victory, Iraq now boasts powerful armed forces that are fully prepared to defend the nation and its sovereignty." 
He also noted that "there is a directive from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani, to modernize the security and military institutions, equipping the armed forces with the latest weapons and equipment, in addition to significantly enhancing their capabilities."
 
Rasool emphasized, "There is immense support from the Iraqi military leadership, led by the Commander-in-Chief, to strengthen the armed forces across all branches in order to maintain security, safety, and stability." 
He also added, "Military leaders at all levels are always present with the units, ensuring they have everything needed to build the capacities and standards that reflect the strength of the Iraqi military."
 
National Identity
 
For his part, the Commander of Baghdad Operations, Major General Walid Khalifa al-Tamimi, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "I extend my warmest congratulations to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammad Shia’ al-Sudani, to the Iraqi people, and to all the branches of the armed forces, including the army, police, Counter-Terrorism Service, Popular Mobilization Forces, Peshmerga, and all the heroes, on the occasion of the seventh anniversary of our victory over terrorism."
 He noted that "this victory was made possible by the bravery and courage of the sons of Iraq, through the blood of the martyrs and the sacrifices of the wounded heroes."
 
He added, "This victory is a reflection of the unity of the Iraqi people and their solidarity in times of crisis and hardship." 
He stressed that "the victory over ISIS terrorist gangs definitively proved that national identity prevails above all."
 
Al-Tamimi concluded, "We pledge to the Iraqi people that their armed forces will remain the strong hand to protect Iraq—its land and its people—against any threat."
 

 

 

 Strengthening the Social Fabric
In his statement, Prime Minister's Advisor Hussein Al-Alawi emphasized that the Great Victory Day was a national and historical lesson in strengthening the social fabric and standing united against terrorism. He pointed out that the Fatwa of Sufficient Jihad played a key role in uniting the social fabric and aligning Iraqi efforts toward countering terrorism. Al-Alawi also highlighted that Iraq’s foreign policy had achieved great success in pursuing terrorists both judicially and legally.
Al-Alawi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "On the occasion of the seventh anniversary of the Great Victory Day, we extend our congratulations to the Iraqi people, the armed forces, and to the Commander-in-Chief, the Prime Minister, for his leadership in protecting and supporting this victory. As one of the ministers who supported this government, he was integral to achieving this great accomplishment, and he continues to lead us, transforming this military victory into a political, economic, and social victory, with the stabilization of the liberated provinces, the restoration of public life, and the full return of social practices to those areas."
He added, "The liberated provinces are now witnessing complete stability, and there is a distinguished relationship between the security forces, the Iraqi government, the citizens, and local governments. This marks a huge development, especially when compared to the moment of the fall of Mosul." 
He also mentioned, " the Fatwa of Sufficient Jihad played a crucial role in unifying the social fabric and the collective Iraqi efforts to combat terrorism, as well as supporting the Iraqi government in achieving victory."
Al-Alawi continued, "We have defeated ISIS, and now the focus is on development, reconstruction, and advancing the provinces. Our efforts include ending the suffering of the displaced and helping them return to their homes. This has been made possible through the efforts of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s government, particularly through financial allocations, compensation, and legal actions to address terrorism victims' rights, both through laws and direct support to their families."
He pointed out, "There is also a focus on holding terrorists accountable through the Iraqi judiciary and enhancing the stability and progress of the armed forces to safeguard this military victory. This includes the work of border security, civilian-military relations, and preserving the dignity of the citizen."
Al-Alawi emphasized, "Maintaining the dignity of the citizen has fostered a culture of citizenship and cooperation between the public and security forces. This approach has been embraced by the Iraqi government, which has ensured pathways to stability and is working to liberate development goals while supporting peace and security across Iraq. Moreover, efforts to dismantle the legacy of terrorist organizations continue through the eradication of extremism, the ideology that gave rise to terrorism and destruction."
He also remarked that "the national expression and government commitment on December 10th every year is a tradition upheld by the Iraqi state and all its institutions." 
Al-Alawi added, "The commitment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and his guidance through the Council of Ministers to ministries, agencies, unions, and civil society organizations reflects Iraq’s commitment to the victory, stability, and preservation of peace. It also serves as a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed for Iraq, ensuring that the Iraqi flag flies high in every governorate, district, neighborhood, and street."
He noted, "There was a significant role played by the Joint Operations Command, the Targeting and Community Cells, intelligence agencies, and the Iraqi forces, who achieved remarkable successes in tracking and pursuing terrorists both within Iraq and beyond its borders."
 Al-Alawi emphasized that "Iraq’s foreign policy has been highly successful in using international relations to pursue terrorists through judicial and legal channels, working with the Iraqi judiciary and Interpol. The testimonies we have now show that these terrorists are being taken down one by one, both through military force and legal action."
He concluded, "The UN Special Representative in Iraq has praised these achievements, clearly stating that Iraq is safe, stable, and progressing. This is a great acknowledgment of the efforts of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s government, which has been proactive in finding solutions and responding to the needs of citizens, engaging with the victims and their families to ensure justice and reparations, both psychologically and materially, through compensation for those harmed by terrorist operations. Additionally, there are facilitative measures to ensure that the families of martyrs receive their rightful entitlements."
Al-Alawi wrapped up by saying, "The fall of Mosul was a major national and historical lesson, one that reinforced the importance of strengthening the social fabric and national unity, and standing together against terrorism."

 

Decisive Battle on Terror
 
The Commander of  Air Force, Major General Shahab Jihad Ali, described the battle against ISIS as “a decisive struggle” in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA). 
He said security forces, across all branches, fought to liberate territories previously seized by the terrorist groups. The military, he added, formed a strong defense against the takfiri forces, who attempted to spread extremism under the guise of religion, which he stressed is innocent of their claims.
 
Ali also noted that Iraq’s military successfully defeated the terrorist groups, reclaiming Iraqi land and blocking the spread of extremism.
 “The future belongs to our brave forces and our proud people,” he said, emphasizing that the military, backed by the public, remains ready to defend the nation’s sovereignty against any threats.
 
 
Earlier, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani on Saturday issued directives to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Iraq’s victory over ISIS. The government’s plan includes a series of national celebrations running from December 8 to December 12, 2024.
 
Among the key directives:

Schools and universities across Iraq, particularly in liberated areas, are to dedicate Thursday, December 12, as a day of national celebration, with students raising the Iraqi flag and delivering speeches to honor the victory.
Security forces are instructed to organize public events and decorate streets in every province to mark the anniversary.
The government also announced that unions, civil society organizations, and ministries will participate in commemorations.
A special emphasis was placed on ensuring that all entitlements for the families of martyrs and the wounded are fully met, as part of the government’s commitment to their support.
In a nod to national unity, Baghdad’s municipal parks will be opened for public celebrations, and government offices will be closed on December 10 to mark the occasion.
The government also launched a competition to create a statue symbolizing the victory over ISIS.