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17:19 GMT
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi announces full victory against so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Dec 9 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi on Saturday announced full victory against so-called Islamic State (IS) in Iraq.
He gave a victory speech, cited by official media, and told the Iraqi people that "your lands have been liberated completely ... and the dream of liberation has become a reality."
Al-Abadi said the Iraqi forces have cleared the last IS stronghold in West of Anbar province and hoisted the Iraqi flag over it.
The Prime Minister affirmed the fight against corruption would "be a natural continuation of the liberation operations.
"The corrupt will not have a place in Iraq like there was no place for Deash," he said, referring to IS with its Arabic acronym.
Al-Abadi also said Iraqis should be vigilant against any terrorist attempt against Iraq and its people.
"Terrorism is a permanent enemy and the battle against it is non-stop," he said. (pickup previous)
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