Iraqi Forces in Full Control Over Baiji
Iraqi troops with the support of volunteer forces have fully liberated the city of Baiji from the grip of the ISIL terrorists, a military source said.
A senior Iraqi official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, announced on Thursday that the army troops backed by popular forces have cleansed Baiji of ISIL terrorists and are now in full control over the strategic city and surrounding neighborhoods.
He added that retaking the city came after three days of fierce clashes with the Takfiri group, adding that the Iraqi flag was raised over the governor’s building.
The ISIL Takfiri terrorists have threatened all communities, as they continue their atrocities in Iraq and Syria.
Senior Iraqi officials have blamed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some Gulf Arab states for the growing terrorism in their country.
The ISIL has links with Saudi intelligence and is believed to be indirectly supported by the Israeli regime.
Gulf states have to thank Iraq rather than harming it, says Abadi
In another development, Iraqi Premier HaiderAbadi stressed that there are huge numbers of volunteers who are willing to join the fight against the Takfiri group ISIL (so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Levant).
The PM’s office released a statement in which it said Abadi held Iftar dinner with fighters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Zaydan area.
Following Iftar, Abadi praised PMF fighters, stressing that they are advancing and securing achievements against ISIL in several areas.
“We are victorious… We are advancing against ISIL gangs,” Abadi said, noting that Iraq has “convinced the world to stand beside us against terrorism.”
He stressed that despite fierceness of the war, there are huge numbers of people who are asking to join the ranks of the MBF.
“We are fighting for our land, honor, dignity and our holy sites… Iraqi mothers, children are proud of our fighters.”
Meanwhile, Abadi lashed out at Gulf states, saying that these countries have to thank Iraq, rather than harming it because it is fighting terrorism that poses threat to the entire region.
FNA, Al- Manar News
R.S