The top U.S. commander in Iraq says Iraqi Security Forces now have Mosul “firmly under their control,” and has issued formal congratulations to both Iraqi and Kurdish forces on their “hard-fought victory.”

“Make no mistake; this victory alone does not eliminate ISIS and there is still a tough fight ahead,” Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said in statement. “But the loss of one of its twin capitals and a jewel of their so-called caliphate is a decisive blow.”