Press TV-- In a televised address on Saturday, Abadi declared the full liberation of the country from Daesh terrorists after Iraqi forces recaptured all the areas once seized by the terror group.
"Honorable Iraqis: your land has been completely liberated. The dream of liberation is now a reality," he said.
“We have accomplished a very difficult mission. Our heroes have reached the final strongholds of Daesh and purified it,” he added.
Abadi stressed that unity was the main reason behind the victory, a reference to the contribution of different communities of the Arab country in the anti-Dash campaign.
"The joy of victory is complete with Iraq's unity after it was on the verge of division. The unity of Iraq and its people is the most important and greatest accomplishment," he said.
Abadi added that Iraq had entered "the post-victory over Daesh phase" and must be prepared for any future threats.
"Daesh's dream is over and we must erase all its effect and not allow terrorism to return. Despite announcing final victory, we must remain vigilant and prepared against any terrorist attempt on our country, for terrorism is an eternal enemy," he said.
The Iraqi prime minister further praised the country’s Popular Mobilization Units, also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, and Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for his contribution to the fight against Daesh terrorists.