Thousands of Iraqi volunteers rushed upon volunteer centers in different parts of Iraq to fight alongside the army in their war against the militants of al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Thousands of Iraqi volunteers rushed upon volunteer centers in different parts of Iraq to fight alongside the army in their war against the militants of al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Many volunteers expressed their willingness and enthusiasm in what they described historic opportunity to participate in fighting the terrorists. Among the volunteers are retired military personnel.

The commander of the armed forces Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has opened the door for the Iraqis to volunteer by calling on citizens to engage in the security forces and request their armament immediately.