The announcement of the complete defeat of ISIL in Iraq, made by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, marked a historic milestone in the fight against the pervasive influence of the jihadist group. Following a brutal campaign that lasted over three years, the Iraqi Security Forces, along with international support, notably from the United States and various coalition allies, achieved significant victories in liberating cities that had fallen under ISIL control. Notably, the city of Mosul, once a major bastion for ISIL, was liberated in July 2017, setting the stage for the final push towards eliminating ISIL's presence in Iraq.

The culmination of operations against ISIL was characterized by a fierce ground campaign, which included aerial bombings, complex urban warfare, and the mobilization of Shia and Sunni militia groups who banded together to eradicate the ISIL threat. By December 2017, after the intensive fighting, the Iraqi forces were able to recapture territories that significantly diminished ISIL's operational capabilities and territorial claim over Iraq. The defeat was celebrated across the nation, as it symbolized resilience and a collective effort towards restoring stability in Iraq following years of violence and destruction.

While the military defeat of ISIL was a significant success story for Iraq, it opened up a new chapter of challenges for the Iraqi government. Questions arose about post-conflict governance, rebuilding war-torn regions, and managing sectarian divisions exacerbated by ISIL's rise. Nonetheless, the victory was a testament to the collaborative efforts of various factions within Iraq and the support from international partners aimed at ensuring the defeat of ISIL and preventing a resurgence of extremist violence in the region.