Hashd al-Shaabi free 17 villages near Tal Afar, to participate in upcoming offensive

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq’s Hashd al-Shaabi forces have liberated over a dozen villages from the Islamic State (IS) near Tal Afar as an offensive to free the city approaches.

An official statement on the Shia militia’s website on Tuesday announced the fighters had taken full control over 17 villages on the southeastern outskirts of the city.

The report added the Hashd al-Shaabi troops were “conducting survey and bomb disposal operations in the liberated areas.”

On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi revealed the Shia forces would play a significant role in the operation to liberate Tal Afar.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Major General Najm al-Jabouri said he predicted the upcoming offensive to reclaim the city from IS would be easy because the fighters are “worn out and demoralized.”

“I don’t expect it will be a fierce battle even though the enemy is surrounded,” he told Reuters.

Tal Afar is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city which Iraqi forces recently liberated from IS extremists after nearly 10 months of intense clashes.

“The enemy is very worn out,” he explained. “I know from the intelligence reports that their morale is low.”

The Iraqi general predicted there were around 1,500 to 2,000 IS militants left in Tal Afar, including family members.

According to Jabouri, Iraqi forces are ready and waiting for orders from Prime Minister Abadi to launch the operation.

“Perhaps it will be in days, or a week, or two,” he anticipated.

The US-led coalition has conducted air strikes in and around Tal Afar, paving the way for Iraqi troops to enter the city.

Editing by Ava Homa