Iraq celebrates recent victories with parade in Baghdad

Iraq has paraded thousands of troops across Baghdad to celebrate recent gains in the battle against Daesh terrorists, including the liberation of the strategic Fallujah city.

According to Press TV, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi saluted the parade as Iraqi fighter jets, including its F-16s, as well as transport aircraft and helicopters staged fly-overs on Thursday.

The parade, also marking the anniversary of the 1958 overthrow of the monarchy, was held amid tight security, with hundreds of troops and policemen locking down the central Baghdad area.

A security source said forces from Baghdad Operations Command had a strong presence in downtown Baghdad.

Security has also been scarce in Iraq, particularly in the capital, where bomb attacks have become more frequent.

Nearly 300 people lost their lives in a car bombing in Baghdad's Karrada neighborhood on July 3. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

The celebration comes on the heels of last month's retaking of the city of Fallujah from Daesh and ahead of an expected assault on Mosul, the last major Iraqi city still under the Takfiri group's control.

"We will surprise Daesh with new weapons" in the battle for Mosul, Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi told reporters at the parade.

According to commander of Fallujah Liberation Operation Lieutenant General Abdul Wahab al-Saidi, at least 1,800 Takfiri terrorists were killed in the Fallujah operation.

Fallujah, located some 65 kilometers (40 miles) west of the capital, Baghdad, was the first Iraqi city to fall in the hands of Daesh terrorists in January 2014.

ME