国际英语资讯:Feature: Iraqis cheer for historic victory over Islamic State in Mosul_时事

国际英语资讯:Feature: Iraqis cheer for historic victory over Islamic State in Mosul

BAGHDAD, July 10 -- Thousands of Iraqis gathered Monday in Baghdad to celebrate the historic victory over the extremist Islamic State (IS) militants in the city of Mosul.

Long lines of civilian cars decorated with roses, honked their horns and roamed the main streets in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, while hundreds of people in groups were raising Iraqi flags, dancing and chanting victory songs and congratulating each other in many areas across the city, including Tahrir Square Mansour and Baghdad al-Jadida districts.

"I congratulate all Iraqis on the great victory over the terrorist Daesh (IS) which was achieved by the blood of the martyrs of our security forces and the unity of all Iraqis under the leadership of Prime Minister Abadi," Ismail Hameed, 23, told Xinhua.

"This is the celebration of all Iraqis no matter to their sects or ethnic groups, because Daesh is enemy of all of us, and this is a U-turn in our life," said Hameed who was dancing at a gathering of young men at Tahrir Square in downtown Baghdad.

"I have mixed feelings of happiness for defeating IS in Mosul and sadness for my colleagues who martyred in the previous battles with Daesh. Nevertheless I want to congratulate all Iraqis for this great victory," Saad Aziz, a soldier in Mansour district in western Baghdad, told Xinhua.

Iraqi security forces intensified security measures and blocked some streets to protect the celebrations, as dozens of soldiers and police forces were deployed in the main streets and crowded commercial areas.