Shi'ite militias say will support Iraqi army offensive on Mosul
A Shi'ite paramilitary force said it would support the Iraqi army's offensive on Mosul, ISIS's last major stronghold in Iraq, raising the risk of sectarian strife in the mainly Sunni region.
The Popular Mobilization Force (PMF), a coalition of mostly Iranian-trained militias, said late on Tuesday it would back Iraqi government forces advancing toward Tal Afar, about 55 kilometres (34 miles) west of Mosul.
Taking Tal Afar would effectively cut off the escape route for militants wanting to head into neighbouring Syria and would please the Iran-backed army of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In the past, the Iran Army has accused the US-led anti-ISIS coalition of planning to allow the jihadists such a safe passage.
