LOC21:56
18:56 GMT
KUWAIT, July 10 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi's announcement that the city of Mosul was liberated from so-called Islamic State (IS) was widely welcomed by Arabs and Western countries.
Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abul Gheit congratulated the Iraqi forces for their "important and decisive achievement."
Abul Gheit, who commended the Iraqi people's unity behind the armed forces, hoped the victory would pave way for stability in Iraq.
He called for continuing the fight against IS in Iraq, neighboring Syria and all Arab countries.
Russia praised the Iraqi forces for their bravey that led to the liberation of Mosul.
The foreign ministry attributed liberation of Mosul to courage of Iraqi forces, Hashd militia forces and Kurdish Peshmerga troops.
It estimated that around 30,000 Iraqi forces and seven thousands civilians were killed in the battles in Mosul, while some 900,000 citizens were displaced.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) welcomed Prime Minister Abadi's victory announcement.
"While there are still areas of the Old City of Mosul that must be back-cleared of explosive devices" and possible IS militatns hiding, the Iraqi forces have Mosul now firmly under their control," it said in a statement.
The US also recognized Iraqi Militia Forces, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and the Coaltion who "deserve a share of the credit for their sacrifices to achieve this hard-won victory."
Turkey also welcomed the liberation of Mosul, and said it was standing behind the people of Mosul.
It said it was ready to contribute to rebuilding the northern city. (end)
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