Al-Sudani pays tribute to families of ISIS victims on ‘Victory Day’

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with families of some Islamic State victims on Tuesday, honoring those who gave their lives in the fight to liberate Iraq from ISIS and pledging the government’s continued commitment to upholding their rights and dignity. During the meeting, Al-Sudani expressed gratitude for the unified efforts of Iraq’s security forces and emphasized that the sacrifices made by the martyrs remain the foundation of Iraq’s security, stability, and development, according to a statement from his office.

Iraq observes Victory Day annually on Dec. 10 to mark the defeat of the Islamic State in 2017. In 2014, ISIS captured significant portions of Iraqi territory, including Mosul, the nation’s second-largest city. After years of military operations, Iraqi forces, with support from international allies, reclaimed the last ISIS strongholds. On Dec. 9, 2017, then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared final victory over ISIS, leading to the establishment of Victory Day as a national holiday.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Tuesday, with families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the liberation operations to expel ISIS terrorist groups from Iraqi territory.

The meeting began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha in honor of the martyrs’ pure souls. Prime Minister Al-Sudani welcomed the families, emphasizing that the foundation of Victory Day commemoration lies in honoring those to whom this triumph is owed—the martyrs whose sacrifices defeated the forces of evil. He stressed that the sacrifices made by their families are a profound source of pride and gratitude, reaffirming the state’s obligation to ensure their rights are upheld with fairness and dignity through all institutions.

The Prime Minister extended his appreciation to all branches of Iraq’s security forces, including the Army, Police, Popular Mobilization Forces, Peshmerga, Counter-Terrorism Service, Intelligence, National Security, and Federal Police, acknowledging their unified efforts and sacrifices in defending Iraq. He also expressed deep respect for the blessed fatwa of the Supreme Religious Authority, which served as a pivotal source of inspiration, determination, and resolve in the fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed that the security, stability, development, services, and reconstruction achieved in Iraq following the victory are the direct result of the martyrs’ sacrifices and the wounded’s dedication. He added that his government continues to build upon these sacrifices to advance the work of rebuilding the nation. The Prime Minister further highlighted that the fight against terrorism became a unifying moment for all Iraqis—Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Shabak, Muslims, Christians, Sabeans, and Yazidis—who stood together alongside Iraq’s friends and neighbors in solidarity and support.

The Prime Minister also condemned the killings and acts of genocide committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people in Gaza, including the targeting of displaced individuals in their camps and the unjust war on Lebanon. He described these actions as heinous crimes, equating them to those of ISIS, as both demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life and sanctity.