Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has declared victory over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil, also known as ISIS) armed group in the northern city of Tal Afar and the entire province of Nineveh.
US-backed Iraqi forces launched an offensive against ISIL fighters, who had been holding Tal Afar for three years, on August 20.
"Tal Afar has been liberated," Abadi said in a statement on Thursday, congratulating the Iraqi security forces.
"We say to the Islamic State fighters: wherever you are, we are coming for you and you have no choice but to surrender or die."
"The loss of Nineveh province is crucial because this is where ISIL declared its caliphate," Bin Javaid said.
"This province was also the engine of the ISIL economy. It is where they used to smuggle oil to other areas. It is also where they used to generate big revenues in terms of taxes," he added.
Iraqi forces had been waiting to clear the small town of al-'Ayadiya, 11km northwest of Tal Afar, before declaring complete victory in the offensive. ISIL fighters had retreated to the town and put up heavy resistance.
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