Haider al-Abadi said the victory marks was an "important step" on the road to Mosul, Iraq's second-largest which has been in Daesh hands for over two years now.

The statement was released by al-Abadi's office Thursday, AP reported.

Iraqi troops launched the operation to retake Qayara this week, more than a month after retaking the nearby air base from the terrorist group.

Qayara is located 70 kilometers (45 miles) south of Mosul.