PMUs will take part in liberating Hawija, other unliberated regions: Spokesperson
Pro-Iraqi government paramilitary forces, al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units)
The official website of the Shia-led al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) quoted Ahmed al-Assadi, the spokesperson of the forces, as saying on Thursday that PMUs “will continue to confront attacks by IS, in west of Mosul.”
PMUs, according to Assadi, “will be a main partner in liberating Hawija and all other unliberated regions.”
Hawija, located 55 KM west of Kirkuk, has been held by IS since mid-2014, when the group emerged to proclaim an Islamic “caliphate” in Iraq and Syria. The group executed dozens of civilians and security members there, forcing thousands to flee homes.
IS still holds three towns in western Anbar close to the borders with Syria, in addition to a few areas in Salahuddin, Diyala and Kirkuk.
On Wednesday, the paramilitary troops announced gaining control on some regions on borders between each of Iraq, Syria and Jordan.
In May, Hadi al-Amiri, head of Badr Organization, said PMUs reached to Iraqi-Syrian borders.
PMUs, an alliance of more than 60 mostly Shia militias, are recognized by the government as a national force under the Prime Minister’s command.