Presidency of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

President Barzani: Al-Baghdadi’s Death is a Major Step in the War Against Terror

2019-10-29T05:37:12.000000Z
Statements
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 27 October 2019

President Nechirvan Barzani says the death of the leader of ISIS terrorist organization, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi’s is a great victory in the war against terror, however it does not mean ISIS terrorism is completely eliminated. In a statement, President Barzani said the cooperation among members of the international community was and is essential for eliminating terrorism and the ideology of ISIS.

Below is President Barzani’s full statement:

The Kurdistan Region, as an important and central part of the International Coalition against ISIS, considers the elimination of the head of ISIS terrorist organization, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as a major step in the war against terrorism. The Kurdistan Region expresses its appreciation for the efforts made by the United States and all those who have participated in the process.

The killing of Al-Baghdadi after the destruction of Daesh is an important step, but it does not mean terrorism and ISIS ideology is completely eliminated. The risk of terrorist resurgence remains high, ISIS and other similar groups continue to carry out terrorist activities in the wider region and threaten the security and stability of the world. It is essential that the international community continues its cooperation and coordination to combat terrorism. Not only militarily, but it must also strengthen efforts to promote coexistence and tolerance and eliminate factors that contribute to the creation of terrorist such as Al-Baghdadi.

The Kurdistan Region has made enormous sacrifices to eradicate terrorism. Yezidis, Christians, Muslims and all religious and ethnic groups faced the appalling crimes of ISIS terrorism. The Kurdistan Region will continue to cooperate with the international community in the fight against terrorism and in confronting the ideology of ISIS, to further protect the security and stability in the world and prevent terrorist resurgence.