Unraveling General Soleimani’s Impact on the Defeat of ISIL: A Comprehensive Review
National Hero Day commemorates the extraordinary contributions of martyr Lt. General Qassem Soleimani, who played a pivotal role in dismantling the ISIL terrorist group. Celebrated annually on November 21, this day was officially recognized by the Iranian Parliament in 2017, honoring the bravery and dedication of Soleimani, the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force. His efforts were instrumental in the fight against ISIL, which had terrorized the Islamic lands for years.
On this significant day, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, conveyed both congratulations and condolences to the nation of Iran, declaring that General Soleimani is a true “National Hero.” His legacy continues to inspire millions, especially as they reflect on the monumental victories achieved during the battle against terrorism.
In a notable letter dated November 21, 2017, General Soleimani announced the collapse of the ISIL terrorist organization. This declaration marked the end of a dark era that had gripped West Asia. He described the defeat of ISIL as a “devastating storm” that had finally subsided, bringing a sense of peace to the Muslim world.
The official designation of November 21 as “National Hero Day” serves as a tribute to General Soleimani’s crucial role in restoring stability to the region. His achievements are celebrated as a testament to his dedication to peace and security. As he stated in his letter:
“This humble person, as a soldier called upon by Your Eminence to serve on this battlefield, announces the termination of the rule of this vicious cursed entity, following the completion of the liberation operation of Abu Kamal as ISIL’s last stronghold.”
ISIL, also known as DAESH, emerged from remnants of al-Qaeda in Iraq after the 2003 US invasion and occupation. However, it wasn’t until the turmoil in 2011 that the group seized the opportunity to expand its influence in Iraq and Syria. By 2014, ISIL had captured significant territories, including Mosul and Tikrit in Iraq, and Raqqa in Syria, declaring its so-called caliphate.
Notably, ISIL’s extreme ideology led even al-Qaeda to disavow any association with the group in February 2014. General Soleimani’s letter outlined the heinous atrocities committed by ISIL in both Syria and Iraq, which included:
- Beheading children
- Skinning men alive in front of their families
- Taking girls and women hostage and subjecting them to sexual violence
- Burning individuals alive
- Massacring youth
He detailed the extensive destruction wrought by ISIL, which obliterated thousands of factories, roads, bridges, and cultural landmarks in both countries. This unprecedented violence necessitated a unified response from regional resistance forces.
While international coalitions conducted airstrikes against ISIL, it was General Soleimani and regional fighters who spearheaded the ground efforts that ultimately defeated the terrorist group. His strategic brilliance and ability to unite diverse forces were crucial in coordinating victories against ISIL from 2014 to 2017.
General Soleimani’s impact extended beyond military engagements. He emphasized Iran’s role as the “heart of resistance” and collaborated closely with various factions, including the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) and Kurdish forces in Iraq. His leadership was evident in crucial operations like:
- The breaking of the siege of Amirli in 2014
- The liberation of Tikrit in 2015
In Syria, he played a significant role in campaigns in Aleppo and Palmyra, often aligning efforts with Russian air support to reclaim vital territories. Reports suggest that he even persuaded Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the military operations against ISIL.
General Soleimani’s letter also highlighted the origins of ISIL, attributing its creation to the enemies of Islam, particularly the United States and its allies. He stated:
“All these crimes have been designed and implemented by US leaders and organizations, according to the acknowledgment of the highest-ranking US official who is currently president of the United States.”
He expressed concern that the same tactics were still being refined and employed by current American leaders. Despite his heroic efforts, General Soleimani humbly credited others for defeating ISIL, thanking various leaders and entities for their support, including:
- Top Iraqi Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali Sistani
- The Iraqi and Syrian governments
- Hezbollah and its leadership
- The nation and government of Iran
In response to General Soleimani’s letter, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed gratitude for his invaluable services to the region and humanity, emphasizing that ISIL was a creation of the United States and its regional allies, intended to bolster the influence of the Israeli regime.
Tragically, General Soleimani’s life ended on January 3, 2020, when he was assassinated by a US drone strike near Baghdad. He was accompanied by Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a key Iraqi resistance commander. Despite this profound loss, General Soleimani’s legacy lives on, symbolizing resistance and hope for many.
National Hero Day serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism and honors a man whose determination has brought hope to a region marred by conflict. His famous quote, “We are the nation of martyrdom; we are the nation of Imam Hussein,” encapsulates the spirit of courage and resilience he represented.
Compiled and reported by Morteza Ahmadi
