The coalition welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s announcement of Iraq’s victory in Mosul and congratulated the Iraqi forces on their remarkable progress.
“The global coalition fighting ISIS congratulates Prime Minister al-Abadi and the Iraqi Security Forces on their historic victory against a brutal and evil enemy. Make no mistake; this victory alone does not eliminate ISIS and there is still a tough fight ahead. But the loss of one of its twin capitals and a jewel of their so-called caliphate is a decisive blow.
Mosul would have been a challenging fight for any army, and the coalition is proud to stand side-by-side with our Iraqi partners as they celebrate their hard-fought victory — a victory that has cost the lives of many brave Iraqis; soldiers, police and civilians.
People of all ethnicities and sects have suffered and sacrificed together, not only for their own country, but to help provide security to the region and the world. However, this victory does not mark the end of this evil ideology and the global threat of ISIS. Now it is time for all Iraqis to unite to ensure ISIS is defeated across the rest of Iraq and that the conditions that led to the rise of ISIS in Iraq are not allowed to return again.”
Welcoming Prime Minister Abadi’s statement on Mosul, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
“I congratulate Prime Minister Abadi, and the Iraqi forces who have been fighting on the ground with great bravery and care against a brutal opponent. Daesh has total disregard for innocent civilian life and we should welcome their defeat in a city that was ground zero for their so-called caliphate.
Britain has played a leading role in the Coalition that has helped bring about the removal of the death cult from Mosul. The RAF has struck more than 750 targets as part of the campaign to liberate Mosul – second only to the United States. While these pin point strikes have brought an end to Daesh in the city, there is still more to do. This barbaric group remains dug in west of the Euphrates and clearing operations in and around Mosul will be needed because of the threat from improvised explosive devices.”
Although Islamic State has lost Mosul, the threat remains in other areas of Iraq. The officials said the coalition will stand side-by-side with the Iraqi government and its people until the group are defeated and all Iraqis are liberated and security is restored.
