PMUs control regions on borders between Iraq, Jordan and Syria
Members of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces). File photo.
A statement by al-Nujabaa movement, affiliated to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs), said troops were able to liberate villages of Um al-Raheel, abu Khashaba and Berket al-Miyah, in addition to wide parts of the southeastern desert in Syria.
PMUs officials say the target behind expanding the control of borders is to prevent infiltration of of Islamic State militants from Syria to Iraq.
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.
In May, Hadi al-Amiri, head of Badr Organization, said PMUs reached to Iraqi-Syrian borders.
Previously, the troops liberated the remaining villages in the vicinity of Qairawan, a main Islamic State bastion which links between Tal Afar town and the Syrian borders, and Baaj, after the troops announced full liberation of Qairawan.
The group has been actively engaged in the Iraqi government’s war against IS, and has recently claimed full control over Iraq’s borders with Syria, but has been operating only on ground with air support from the Iraqi army warplanes.