The anniversary of Iraq's overthrow of its monarchy in 1958 was marked by a military parade on Thursday in central Baghdad, while doubling up as a show of strength after recent victories over the Islamic State group.
Marching soldiers were saluted by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi as fighter jets, including US manafactured F-16s, flew overhead. The celebrations also saw transport aircraft and helicopters take flight to join in the display.
The controversial pro-government, Shia-dominated Popular Mobilisation militias also participated in the parade, according to sources, drawing criticism from anti-Abadi politicians.
The militias also took part in securing the parade grounds, according to the source in the Baghdad army operations command, blocking roads and bridges and taking control of checkpoints.
This was later confrimed by Youssef al-Kallabi, spokesperon for the Popular Mobilisation, in a statement.
"The presence of Abadi and the militias at the parade constitutes clear support for outlawed groups," said MP Mohammad al-Mashhadani of the anti-Abadi Alliance of Iraqi Forces.
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Despite the show of Baghdad's military mettle, however, security remained tight with police and soldiers maintaining a close watch over possible terrorist attacks |  |
Despite the show of Baghdad's military mettle, however, security remained tight with police and soldiers maintaining a close watch over possible terrorist attacks.
Just a day before the parade, two bomb blasts claimed by IS killed at least five people and wounded dozens in the Iraqi capital.
Last month, Iraqi government and loyalist forces re-captured the city of Fallujah from the IS group, paving the way for an assault on Mosul, the extremists' last major stronghold in Iraq.
"We will surprise Daesh with new weapons" when attacking the extremists in Mosul, Defence minister Minister Khaled al-Obeidi told reporters at the parade, using an Arabic acronym for the IS group.
