The Shia militia force Hashd al-Shaabi, currently carrying out an operation against ISIS to the south of Shengal, announced that they have liberated the Baaj town to the west of Mosul. Reports say Hashd al-Shaabi launched an operation last night in 3 arms and achieved control in town.

Popular Mobilization Units Hashd al-Shaabi commander Mehdî Mühendis spoke on the matter and said the forces surrounded the town last night, then went on the offensive in 3 arms in the morning to take the town. Mühendis said taking the town was a “great achievement” and congratulated his forces.

Hashd Al-Shaabi forces turned towards the southern villages of Shengal in the first week of May, then to Qayrawan town on May 18, to liberate it on May 23. Later, the militia took Kocho village and reached the Rojava-Northern Syria border on May 29.

The militia reached the Rojava-Northern Syria border and has been attempting to advance to the south, taking Til Sifûq, Çayir Xilfas and Caye villages in the last couple of days. Meanwhile a separate arm of Hashd Al-Shaabi had advanced towards the west from the south of Qeyweran town and arrived to the south of Baaj town.