Shiite Militias Get No Coalition Combat Aid in Mosul Due to Terrorists in Ranks

The US-led coalition backing Iraqi forces’ fight against the Islamic State in Mosul provides no combat support to the Shia Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) because it includes militias that are recognized terrorists, Operation Inherent Resolve land commander Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky told reporters Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Coalition forces assisting the effort to retake Daesh-held city of Mosul provide only combat-related support to fighters under direct control of the Iraqi Security Forces, Volesky said.

“A challenge with the Shia PMF is that people treat it like it is a homogeneous group and it is not," Volesky explained at a Pentagon briefing. "It is made up of multiple groups, some of which are recognized terrorist groups."

The Iraqi troops, aided by the US-led coalition, on Monday began their campaign to retake Mosul from Daesh, which seized the city in June 2014.

Some US government officials and human-rights groups have urged Iraq’s government to limit the role of the Shia Popular Mobilization Forces, which has ties to Iran, in the battle over Mosul.