Reuters: Shi'ite militias launch offensive to seal off western Mosul
Iraqi Shi'ite militias said on Saturday they had launched an offensive towards the west of Mosul, an operation that would tighten the noose around Islamic State's Iraq stronghold but could inflame sectarian tension in the mainly Sunni region.
The battle for Mosul is expected to be the biggest in the 13 years of turmoil unleashed in Iraq by the 2003 U.S.-led invasion which toppled former president Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, and brought Iraq's majority Shi'ite Muslims to power.
A spokesman for the Shi'ite militias, known as the Hashid Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation) forces, said thousands of fighters "started operations this morning to clean up the hotbeds of Daesh (Islamic State) in the western parts of Mosul".
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More News On Reports That Shiite Militias Are Now Involved In The Battle For Mosul
Mosul Iraq battle: Shia militias aim to take Tal Afar -- BBC
Iraqi forces push toward Mosul, Shiite militias join battle -- AP
Iraq forces launch operation to cut Mosul off from Syria -- AFP
Shiite militias join offensive to retake Mosul from Islamic State -- Washington Post
Shiite Militias Join Mosul Battle in Push to Take Nearby Town of Tal Afar -- WSJ
Battle for Mosul: Shi'ite Militias Launch Offensive to Seal Off Western Front -- NBC
Iraq forces launch operation to cut Mosul off from Syria -- DW
Mosul: Iraqi forces push closer towards war-torn city -- ABC News Online
Iraq: Iran-backed Shia militias launch offensive near Mosul, reiterates not to enter Sunni areas -- International Business Times
Iraqi Shia militias begin Tel Afar offensive -- Middle East Monitor
Iran backed Shiite militia launches operation in Tal Afar to cut supply lines from Syria to Mosul -- Daily Sabah
Iraqi Shia Militia Opens Front Against Daesh West of Mosul -- Sputnik
The fight for Mosul moves closer to Tal Afar -- Euronews
Shia militias open new front in battle for Mosul -- Al Jazeera
Shiite militia launch operation west of Mosul -- RUDAW
