Iraqi government forces celebrate after they claimed they have gained complete control of the Diyala province, on January 26, 2015 near the town of Muqdadiyah. Iraqi forces have “liberated” Diyala province from the Islamic State jihadist group, retaking all populated areas of the eastern region, a top army officer said today. The symbolic victory for Baghdad, which has at times struggled to push IS back, could clear the way for further advances against the jihadists . AFP PHOTO / YOUNIS AL-BAYATI