It's official, the last remnants of the so-called Islamic State (or Daesh) have been defeated in Mosul.
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited Mosul on Sunday, declaring "victory" and congratulating Iraqi troops, according to Reuters.
"The commander in chief of the armed forces (Prime Minister) Haider al-Abadi arrived in the liberated city of Mosul and congratulated the heroic fighters and Iraqi people for the great victory," al-Abadi's office said in a statement.
>At the end of June, al-Abadi declared that the so-called caliphate of Daesh had fallen after the Iraqi military took back control of Mosul's iconic 850-year-old Grand al-Nuri Mosque. The site was significant as the terrorist organization's leader declared his caliphate from the location.
But Daesh fighters still controlled pockets of the city. Now they have been defeated.
Needless to say, people are beyond excited for the victory
Everyone was celebrating
Seriously celebrating
It was truly a victory for the Iraqi people
Even beyond Iraq's borders, the celebration continued
And the heroes will never be forgotten
"A salute to every martyr who died for this country. A salute to every single one of their mothers."
Of course, as the victory is celebrated, Iraqis know the battle against the terrorists isn't over yet. Daesh fighters still control areas throughout the country, and will certainly continue attacks as insurgents.
Nonetheless, the loss of Mosul signals a major turning point in the war against the group. Now, it's time for the Iraqis of Mosul to rebuild and pick up the pieces that remain.