Although only a symbolic landmark, the Iraqi government has captured a destroyed mosque in the heart of ISIS’ de facto capital of Mosul. Iraq’s government declared victory over ISIS on Thursday.

The eight-month siege of Mosul by Iraqi troops, who have been fighting their way through Mosul have seized the Grand al-Nuri Mosque on Wednesday. That was considered the heart of the Daesh (Iraqi term for ISIS) caliphate.

US coalition sources believe that the fighting for Mosul will be over in days now rather than weeks.

Though destroyed by ISIS fighters, the capture of the 850-year-old mosque is considered a huge symbolic victory to Iraqis. It is where the Islamic State announced its caliphate almost three years ago.