Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a message to his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari expressed his congratulations to the government and nation of Iraq over the ‘courageous battle’ and recent victory of Iraqi Army and popular forces against Takfiri terrorists in the city of Fallujah in Al Anbar, located west of Baghdad.
“Undoubtedly the impressive victories achieved in the decisive battle of Fallujah during the holy month of Ramadan is the manifestation of divine assistance to those who fight toward the path of God,” he said in the message.
“I am truly confident that by relying on God Almighty, adherence to national unity, and using national capacities, the great nation of Iraq will achieve even greater victories against Takfiri terrorists and their allies,” Zarif said.
Iraqi forces on Friday retook the main government compound in the center of Fallujah from ISIL militants. The government lost control of Fallujah in 2014, months before ISIL took Iraq's second largest city, Mosul. Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said on Friday Iraqi security forces had control over the city "except for small pockets that need to be cleared within the coming hours.” He also said on Twitter that "Fallujah has returned to the nation and Mosul is the next battle.”
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