Al-Hashd al-Shaabi kills 12 IS militants in Mosul, protect displaced families
Forces from al-Hashd al-Shaabi.
Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Twelve Islamic State militants were killed as Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) encountered on Monday an attack by the group against Talet Hassani region, west of Mosul.
“The fourth brigade troops encountered an attack launched by IS fighters against Talet Hassani, western Mosul,” al-Hashd media service said in a statement. “12 IS members were killed as the troops repelled the attack.”
In related news, al-Hashd downed a drone guided by IS in the western side of the city.
“Troops of the 26th brigade were able to down a drone through which the militants were trying to scout out the freed city of Badush, west of Mosul,” the service said.
“The unmanned plane was trying to scout for the troops in Badush to check their capabilities and presence,” it added.
The statement revealed that “the brigade developed its drones to be used in the battles in western Mosul,” adding that “the troops possess devices that will shock the enemy in the upcoming battle.”
Al-Hashd forces, supported by Iraqi forces, had previously freed Badush region from IS mid March.
Meanwhile, the troops received more than 60 displaced families from al-Hadar region.
“Over 60 displaced families escaped IS in the west of Mosul,” the service said. “The troops offered medical assistance and food before distributing them among freed villages along with residents of Tal Abta, Tal Fares and Midan Qulli villages.”
Al-Hashd al-Shaabi was established in 2014 by a fatwa (religious edict) from Iraq’s top Shia clergy to fight the Islamic State.
In late 2016, the Iraqi parliament recognized the militia as a national armed force.
Iraqi government forces recaptured eastern Mosul in January, and launched another offensive in February to retake the western side.