A man stands at a cemetery for the Islamic State (IS) victims in Fallujah, Iraq, on Aug. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
BAGHDAD, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Years after declaring victory over the extremist Islamic State (IS) group in 2017, Iraq continues to grapple with the lasting impact of terrorism, from persistent security threats to profound societal trauma, residents and an official said on the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, observed on Thursday.
While major combat operations concluded years ago, remnants of IS continue to carry out sporadic attacks against security forces and civilians in urban areas, deserts, and remote regions, they told Xinhua.
"The remaining IS cells are few and weak now, and the Iraqi forces are pursuing and combing all areas where they are present," Tahseen al-Khafaji, director of the Iraqi Defense Ministry's media and moral guidance directorate, said.
He highlighted continuous successful military operations and growing civilian support, and noted a gradual process of investment and reconstruction in the country.
"On this special day, Iraq's message to the world is quite clear, that we will continue to combat terrorism and not allow it to exist in our country. The blood of the victims will remain beacons illuminating the path to freedom," he said.
The visible and invisible scars of terrorist violence still profoundly affect Iraqi families and communities.
In Fallujah, a city about 60 km west of Baghdad and once under IS control, damaged buildings are everywhere.
Speaking of the immense personal losses, Sheikh Mohammed Khalaf, head of the Albu Yusuf clan, said "almost every house here had witnessed tragedies."
"My uncle and his son were executed by IS 150 meters from my house ... Their death is a wound that never heals. We soak ourselves in grief every day," said the man in his 50s.
Sheikh Khalid al-Aifan, head of the Sunni Albu Issa tribe, lost three sons and 25 extended family members.
"My sons were at the forefront fighting against IS at that time, and I'm proud because they died bravely for our country and people," the man in his 80s told Xinhua, adding that one of his sons survived but lost both legs and an arm.
Recalling his two sons who were kidnapped by IS in 2015 for criticizing the group, 61-year-old Jasim Mohammed Al-Jumaili said he still has no idea what happened to them.
"Since that day, we have had no answers, no bodies, nothing," he said. "No one remembers my sons. People think the matter is over, but we are still waiting for justice." ■
Jasim Mohammed Al-Jumaili cries during an interview with Xinhua in Fallujah, Iraq, on Aug. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
This photo taken on Aug. 16, 2025 shows people at a cafe in Fallujah, Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
Jasim Mohammed Al-Jumaili shows the ID cards of his two sons kidnapped by the Islamic State (IS) in Fallujah, Iraq, on Aug. 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
This photo taken on Aug. 16, 2025 shows damaged buildings in Fallujah, Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
