Shia militia poised to attack IS from Mosul's west

Iraqi Shia militias are set to launch a suprise assault
on Islamic State group positions west of Mosul, the Popular Mobilisation Forces have announced on Friday.

The pro-government, Iranian-backed militias are assisting in the major campaign to retake Iraq's second city from militant control.

The militias - collectively known as al-Hashd al-Shaabi or Popular Mobilisation Forces - have completed preparations to move in the direction of Tal Afar, from their positions in Qayyara, south of the city, a spokesman said on Friday.

"A few days or hours separate us from the launch of operations there," spokesman Ahmed al-Asadi told state TV, commenting on the plan to capture Tal Afar.

The involvement of Shia militias in the battle for Mosul has stirred controversy, after the Baghdad-aligned fighters were accused of atrocities against Sunni residents liberated from IS control following the capture of other major strongholds including Fallujah and Tikrit.

Ahead of the Mosul offensive, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi assured they would not enter the city following its liberation.

Read more: The spectre of tomorrow: After the battle for Mosul