Iraq: Pro-gov’t forces take 5 border villages

By Ali Jawad, Hussein al-Amir

BAGHDAD (AA) – Pro-government fighters have captured five Iraqi villages near the Syrian border, according to a local military officer.

The new development comes as part of a major offensive launched by the Iraqi army to oust Daesh from Mosul, which was overrun by the terrorist group in 2014.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency on Saturday, Army Captain Jabbar Hassan said the gains bring to 12 the number of villages captured by the Hashd al-Shaabi militia near Syrian border since Friday.

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

“The set plans aim to secure the road from Mosul to Iraqi-Syrian border and prevent any activity by Daesh militants in the area,” Hassan said.