Iraqi PM: No complaints received on Shia militia violations in Mosul operation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi stated on Saturday that the military operation in Mosul moves forward, and he has received no complaints from people regarding the Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi violations in the operation.

During a meeting with the Iraqi ambassadors and consuls, Abadi mentioned that the policy of Iraq is clear, and it does not intervene in the internal affair of any country. He mentioned that Iraq works to foster its relations with different countries.

Commenting on Mosul offensive, the Premier stated that the Iraqi forces are advancing inside Mosul, and there is strong cooperation between the security forces.

In June 2014, the Islamic State (IS) occupied Mosul, the second-largest city in northern Iraq. Shortly after, the extremist group expanded to other provinces of Iraq. Since then it has lost most of the territory it controlled.

Abadi also noted that he had not received any complaints on the Hashd al-Shaabi violations in the battle of Mosul.

Hashd al-Shaabi consists of over 40 Shia militia groups that were formed in 2014 by the top Iranian Shia cleric Ali Sistani to fight against the IS.

During the Fallujah military operation in mid-2016, the militia group was repeatedly accused by the international human right organizations of committing war crimes and violating human rights. Recently, the Parliament of Iraq passed a bill recognizing the militia group as an official armed force in Iraqi Defense Ministry.

Since Mosul operation begun on October 17, the militia has advanced mainly from the southwestern of the city that has liberated many areas from the IS and continues to advance.

Editing by Ava Homa