Iraq holds victory parade after defeating IS group

BAGHDAD - Foreign leaders congratulated Iraq on Sunday following the prime minister's declaration of victory over the Islamic State group. Saudi Arabia said 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".

On Sunday, an Iraqi military parade in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone celebrated final victory over the IS group, with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi looking on as troops marched in formation, their bodies spelling "victory day" in Arabic.

Abadi, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, listened solemnly to Quranic verses from a chapter titled al-Nasr, meaning victory.