World leaders congratulate Iraq following its defeat of IS

BAGHDAD — World leaders congratulated Iraq Sunday following the prime minister’s declaration of victory over the Islamic State group. Saudi Arabia says the achievement is a big victory against terrorism in the region, and the United Kingdom applauded Iraq’s security forces “for their courage and sacrifice.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi declared victory in the more than three year fight against IS in a national address aired on Iraqi state television Saturday evening.

“Daesh no longer hold significant territory in Iraq or Syria,” United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May said according to an official statement released by her office. “This signals a new chapter towards a more peaceful, prosperous country.”

In Saudi Arabia’s statement Sunday, the kingdom reiterated Saudi support for Iraq.

Several thousand Saudis are believed to have joined the ranks of Sunni extremist groups to fight in Iraq and Syria. However, the kingdom has also been a target of multiple attacks claimed by IS and carried out by local affiliates.

The top U.S.-led coalition commander, U.S. Lt.-Gen. Paul E. Funk II, pledged that coalition forces would continue to support Iraq after the conventional military fight against IS is concluded.

“Much work remains, and we will continue to work by, with and through our Iraqi partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh and prevent its ability to threaten civilization, regionally and globally,” Funk said in a statement released by the coalition Sunday. Daesh is an Arabic acronym for IS.

Iraqi forces retook the last IS strongholds in Iraq’s western deserts Saturday and secured the country’s border with Syria.