Iraqi PM modifies statement, mentions Peshmerga’s role in anti-IS war

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has modified his speech, offering congratulations to the Kurdish troops over victory against Islamic State.

This came after Abadi was highly slammed by official authorities and figures in Kurdistan for ignoring the role of Peshmerga during anti-IS war at his speech on Saturday, when he named all of the Iraqi troops to offer congratulations without mentioning the Peshmerga.

Criticized, Abadi’s office modified on Sunday evening the speech on behalf of Abadi and greeted Peshmerga as well as other troops.

“I would like to greet all those who achieved victory: our champion troops of army, police, security services, al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces), Counter-Terrorism service, air force, army jets, Peshmerga and all divisions of the armed forces,” the modified statement said.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Peshmerga slammed Abadi’s ignorance toward the troops’ role against IS. Earlier on the day, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.

A military parade of Iraqi troops took place on Sunday in Baghdad to celebrate the victory against IS.

Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition and paramilitary troops, have been fighting since October 2016 to retake territories Islamic State had occupied.