Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi takes border villages from Daesh

BAGHDAD

The Hashd al-Shaabi, a fighting force linked to the Iraqi army, captured seven villages near the Syrian border on Friday from the Daesh terrorist group, an Iraqi military source said.

According to Iraqi Army Captain Jabbar Hassan, Hashd al-Shaabi fighters -- backed by the Iraqi air force -- captured the border villages of Sadkhan, Sabyia Haroosh, Abu Lahaf, Mekeibra, Um al-Shababit, Boutha and Tell Hajem.

All the villages are located near the Al-Qayrawan area, located some 120 kilometers west of the city of Mosul.

“The recapture of the villages was quickly achieved due to heavy support provided by the Iraqi air force, which targeted Daesh positions and arms depots,” said Hassan.

On Friday morning, Hashd al-Shaabi forces launched another major operation aimed at retaking parts of western Mosul that are still held by Daesh.

Army First Lieutenant Nayef al-Zubaidi told Anadolu Agency that “hundreds” of civilians had fled the area due to intense and frequent bombardments.