Confrontations occur between Islamic State, paramilitaries, west of Anbar
Al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Units) in western Mosul.
“Troops of al-Hashd al-Shaabi [Popular Mobilization Forces] advanced on Friday toward Qaim town from the southern direction,” the source told AlSumaria News.
“Clashes took place against IS in south of Qaim, while troops were advancing,” the source, who preferred anonymity, added. “Troops killed several militants while heading toward Qaim.”
Earlier on the day, the army’s 8th division engaged with a group of IS militants at south of al-Qaim, killing 25. Another news website quoted a source as saying that army warplanes killed dozens others of militants in Qaim’s desert.
The Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced on Thursday the launch of operations to liberate Qaim and Rawa towns.
Hundreds of thousands of messages were airdropped on Wednesday on the two towns informing civilians that security troops are coming to free them and urging them to stay away from the enemy.
Anbar’s western towns of Qaim and Rawa have been held by the extremist group since 2014, when it occupied one third of Iraq to proclaim a self-styled Islamic “Caliphate”.
Iraqi army announced the total recapture of the town of Annah and neighboring Rayhana area last month. Troops also liberated Akashat region, between Rutba town, on borders with Jordan, and Qaim, on borders with Syria.