DAMASCUS, SYRIA (1:25 P.M.) – After the liberation of the key city of Al-Qayrawan, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have begun phase two of their large-scale offensive, ultimately looking secure the border and possibly push into Deir Ezzor, a move which the Syrian Government has welcomed.
Pushing westwards through the Nineveh governorate on three axes, the predominately Shiite PMU were able to liberate the formerly ISIS-held villages of Kojar, Arfeaa and Quba Al-Wahbi, most of which were secured during overnight operations on Thursday.
With Islamic State commanders opting for a fighting withdrawal strategy, PMU troops have also stormed the villages of Bisky and Al-Qahtanyia where clashes are ongoing.
Brand new photos of the aforementioned advances:
The promising plans to secure the Iraqi border have been drawn up by PMU chief Hadi Al-Amari who notably announced stage two of the Nineveh offensive on live radio this morning.
Counter-insurgency operations are also ongoing in the regions of Tal Afar, Hawija, Mosul, western Anbar where ISIS still controls some areas.
Given the current rate of advance, the Islamic State is likely to be completely defeated in Iraq within 18 months.
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