BAGHDAD, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A group of Shiite militias largely absent from the Iraqi offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State jumped into the fray Saturday, opening a new front on the west of the embattled terrorist stronghold.
The militias, known as the Popular Mobilization Units and backed by Iran, had not to this point played a significant role in the 100,000-plus troop force organized by Iraqi and Kurdish military leaders and backed by the United States. Al Jazeera reported the support received from the militias is more than most military leaders in the region expected.