Victory Declared Over Islamic State in Iraqi City Of Tal Afar

The Iraqi Prime Minister has declared victory over the so-called Islamic State in the Iraqi city of Tal Afar.

Haider al Abadi announced that Iraqi forces have seized the strategically crucial city, which was first captured by the Islamist extremists in June 2014.

An operation to re-take the city began ten days ago and has ended in success for Iraqi forces.

Prime Minister Abadi said in a statement:

 "I declare to you that Tal Afar has joined the liberated Mosul and returned to the homeland."

He also issued a warning to members of IS who remain in Iraq:

"We say to the criminals of Daesh: Wherever you are, we are coming for liberation, and you have no choice but to die or surrender."

The US-led coalition currently fighting the terrorist group has issued their congratulations to Iraqi forces.

Lt General Stephen Townsend, who heads up the coalition operation, said:

"Following their historic liberation of Mosul and now a swift and decisive victory in Tal Afar, the ISF have shown, once again, they are an increasingly capable force that can protect the Iraqi people, defeat ISIS within Iraq and secure the country's borders."

He added: "This is yet another significant achievement for the Iraqi Security Forces and the government and people of Iraq."