Al-Sudani meets families of fallen Iraqi forces on Victory Day anniversary

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Wednesday with families of Iraqi Armed Forces personnel killed in the fight against ISIS, marking the eighth anniversary of the extremist group’s defeat and the declaration of Victory Day.

The gathering brought together relatives of those killed across multiple branches of the security forces, including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, Popular Mobilization Authority, National Security Service and National Intelligence Service.

Al-Sudani paid tribute to the “profound sacrifices made by Iraq’s noble martyrs” and praised the resilience of their families, saying their suffering “paved the way for Iraq’s liberation from the criminal and murderous terrorist gangs.”

“The victory was achieved through a heavy price, the precious blood of the martyrs, through which the so-called state of falsehood and terror was brought to an end,” he said.

Iraq declared victory over ISIS in December 2017 after years of operations by Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, to recapture territory seized by the group in 2014. Although ISIS no longer holds territory, its remnants continue to pose security threats in several regions.

Statement from Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Wednesday, with several families of the martyrs of the Iraqi Armed Forces, across their various branches and formations within the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, the Popular Mobilization Authority, the Iraqi National Security Service, and the Iraqi National Intelligence Service. The meeting was held on the occasion of the eighth anniversary of the victory over terrorism, the defeat of ISIS, and the declaration of Victory Day.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the profound sacrifices made by Iraq’s noble martyrs and to the resilience shown by their families, whose suffering and endurance paved the way for Iraq’s liberation from the criminal and murderous terrorist gangs that seized territory during a moment of weakness the state had experienced.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani affirmed that the blessed fatwa issued by the Supreme Religious Authority, along with the unity of the Iraqi people in all their diverse and harmonious components, made the defeat of ISIS final and irreversible. He emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs prevented Iraq from sliding into chaos and the unknown.

Below are the key points from the Prime Minister’s remarks:

🔷 We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the families of the martyrs for the immense sacrifice offered by their heroic loved ones.

🔷 The victory was achieved through a heavy price, the precious blood of the martyrs, through which the so-called state of falsehood and terror was brought to an end.

🔷 Martyrs hold a distinguished and honored status, one granted only to those chosen by the will of Allah Almighty.

🔷 The legacy of martyrs and sacrifice continues in the face of injustice, whether in resisting dictatorship or confronting terrorism.

🔷 ISIS was part of a broader project targeting Iraq and the region, supported by states and intelligence services that enabled its agenda.

🔷 The stability, security, recovery, reconstruction, services, and development enjoyed by Iraq today are the direct result of the sacrifices made by the martyrs.

🔷 With the determination of the sincere, we will continue moving forward, and the state remains responsible for fulfilling all its commitments, particularly toward the families of martyrs.

🔷 We have directed that any shortcomings or delays in providing services and meeting the needs of the families of martyrs be addressed immediately, for their rights are indisputable and not a favor from anyone.