Thirteen IS militants killed as PMUs foil attack near Iraqi-Syrian borders

(IraqiNews.com) The paramilitary troops have confronted an attack by Islamic State militants using booby-trapped vehicles near Iraqi-Syrian borders.

Ahmed Radi Nasrullah, deputy commander of the 13th brigade of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) said in statements that troops “foiled a sudden attack by the militants on Wednesday.”

“Infiltrating militants targeted our troops deployed on the Iraqi-Syrian borders,” Nasrullah said.

Air force as well as military troops, according to Nasrullah, were able to thwart the attack killing thirteen of the sneaking militants and destroying the vehicles.

In May, Hadi al-Amiri, head of Badr Organization, said PMUs reached to Iraqi-Syrian borders.

Last month, PMUs announced liberation of Qairawan, a main Islamic State bastion which links between Tal Afar town and the Syrian borders, as well as Baaj after an offensive was launched on May 12. A second phase of operations was launched earlier this month to liberate the villages in the vicinity of the Qairawan.

While major offensives take place in Mosul by Iraqi troops, backed by U.S.-led coalition, other offensives are launched by the paramilitary troops of al-Hashd al-Shaabi to liberate neighboring regions in Nineveh province.

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.