Iraq's Kadim al-Sahir posts heartfelt message on return of 'our beautiful Mosul'

Iraqi superstar Kadim al-Sahir has delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude to the armed forces on the return of "our dear, beautiful Mosul".

The world-renowned artist posted a video on his Facebook page in which he praised the courage of Iraq's security forces and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the gruelling eight-month battle to liberate the historic city.

"Thanks to the brave souls that have fallen, those people who gave up their lives for the sake of our precious country," he said to his more than 13 million followers.

"May their souls rest in peace - You will forever be remembered. Thank you for giving this nation and its people this great gift (of liberation)."

The Mosul-born singer, who left Iraq in the early 90s after the Gulf War and has continually avoided discussing the country's politics, praised Iraqis for uniting against the "force of evil and darkness and enemies of life".

"My dear Nineveh, my cherished town, and its beloved people – of all tribes, all religions and sects, the hearts of all Iraqis are with you, since Mosul first started drowning in blood for four years, and dealt with all that pain," he added.

Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi arrived in war-torn Mosul on Sunday, where he congratulated troops on their hard-fought victory, which has seen thousands killed, almost a million people displaced and buildings and infrastructure destroyed.