Popular Mobilization Units Hashd al-Shaabi started an operation on ISIS-occupied villages in southern Shengal in the first week of May, after which they advanced on the town of Qayrawan and captured it on May 23rd. The militia later took control of the Kocho village and reached the Rojava-Northern Syria border on May 29 by opening a corridor between the northern side of the Baaj town and the southern side of the Shangal town.

The militia announced in a written statement that they have captured three villages at the border from ISIS. Accordingly, the villages of Til Sifûq, Çayir Xilfas and Caye at the border of the Baaj town of Nineveh province have been cleared of ISIS and 15 ISIS members were killed during clashes.