Parliament speaker marks ISIS victory anniversary, vows to prioritize rights of victims

BAGHDAD – Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani marked the eighth anniversary of Iraq’s Victory Day by saying the occasion should go beyond symbolic remembrance and serve as “a renewed pledge” to advance legislation supporting the wounded, families of the martyrs and displaced populations.

In a statement, al-Mashhadani said, “We stand in reverence today before the heroism of Iraq’s men who carried their souls in their hands to defend the homeland.” He credited Iraq’s armed forces, including the army, federal and local police, intelligence and national security services, Popular Mobilization Forces, Peshmerga and tribal fighters, with creating what he called “a page of glory that will remain a shining mark in this country’s history.”

He added, “The blood of the honorable martyrs remains a trust upon us, and the heroic wounded who endured pain are a symbol of resilience and honor. The displaced, who were forced from their cities and homes, were essential partners in this epic through their patience and faith in a homeland that must return stronger.”

Al-Mashhadani said the anniversary must serve as a call to “restore stability to the displaced, revive the areas that suffered the most, and prevent terrorism from regaining any foothold, rhetoric, or supportive environment.”

The Islamic State group, commonly known as ISIS, is a transnational jihadist organization that originated in Iraq. In June 2014, the group declared a self-proclaimed “caliphate” from Mosul under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and claimed authority over Muslims worldwide. At its height, ISIS controlled large parts of Iraq and Syria, enforced a strict interpretation of Islamic law and carried out mass executions, sexual slavery, forced displacement and targeted killings of minorities.

A U.S.-led international coalition, along with Iraqi and Syrian forces, gradually recaptured territory from ISIS. Iraq declared military victory over the group in December 2017, but ISIS remnants remain active in rural and remote areas through insurgent tactics, maintaining sleeper cells and carrying out occasional attacks.