Azm Alliance marks anniversary of Mosul's fall and Speicher massacre

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Azm Alliance marked the anniversary of the fall of Mosul to ISIS on June 10, 2014, and the Speicher massacre that followed, calling the events one of the most painful chapters in modern Iraqi history. In a statement, the alliance said the crimes and violations targeting Iraq's people, national unity and security left deep scars in the country's collective memory. The statement said the sacrifices of the armed forces, security services, the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi), the Peshmerga and tribal fighters formed the foundation of the victory against terrorism. The alliance described the Speicher massacre as one of the most brutal crimes committed by ISIS, noting that hundreds of innocent Iraqis were killed. The alliance called for protecting the rights of victims, supporting the families of the martyrs and pursuing perpetrators within the framework of the law. It also urged backing state institutions to preserve the gains of the counterterrorism campaign, continue reconstruction efforts and prevent similar tragedies from recurring.