WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — "President Trump congratulated the Prime Minister on the liberation of Mosul by Iraqi Security Forces, which marks a major milestone in the fight against ISIS [Daesh]," the release said.
"The President praised the heroism of the Iraqi and American soldiers and underscored his commitment to the total defeat of ISIS. He stressed the need to consolidate gains to prevent ISIS or any other terrorist group from returning to liberated areas."
On Sunday, fighters of the anti-terrorist unit of the Iraqi armed forces raised a national flag on the banks of the Tigris River in the historical part of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Abadi arrived in the city to declare its liberation from Daesh.
Mosul fell under control of terrorists in 2014 and was since then Daesh key stronghold in Iraq. The operation to recapture the city was launched in October 2016 by the Iraqi troops backed by the US-led international coalition. The eastern part of the city was liberated in January.
