Iraqi Forces Expand Control to Borders with Syria

Al-Ameri said that Hashd al-Shaabi fighters have opened their way to Iraq’s border with Syria, adding that the forces have deployed in the border village of Um Jaris.

“We are now in this region (Um Jaris) that is a border-crossing with Syria,” al-Ameri said, adding, “Cleansing operation at Iraq’s border with Syria from Um Jaris up to the town of al-Qa’em will be kicked off tomorrow.”

A senior commander of Hashd al-Shaabi announced on Monday that Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has entrusted the popular forces with the establishment of security in bordering areas with Syria.

“Based on Haider al-Abadi’s order, Hashd al-Shaabi’s next responsibility is establishing security at Iraq-Syria borders,” Spokesman for Asaeb Ahl Al-Haq Battalion (one of the popular forces fighting alongside the Iraqi army) Javad al-Talibavi was quoted as saying by al-Ma’lomah news website on Monday.

Noting that Hashd al-Shaabi has been able to regain control of all ISIL supply routes in the Western parts of Nineveh province as well as areas near al-Be’aj, Tal Afar and al-Qirwan, he said chasing the terrorists inside the Syrian territories by Hashd al-Shaabi depends on al-Abadi’s decision.