RNA - “The fourth brigade troops encountered an attack launched by ISIL militants against Talet Hassani, Western Mosul,” PMF media service said in a statement, Iraqi News reported.
“12 ISIL members were killed as the troops repelled the attack.”
In related news, the popular forces downed a drone guided by ISIL in the Western side of the city.
“Troops of the 26th brigade were able to down a drone through which the militants were trying to scout out the freed city of Badush, west of Mosul,” the service said.
“The unmanned plane was trying to scout for the troops in Badush to check their capabilities and presence,” it added.
The statement revealed that “the brigade developed its drones to be used in the battles in western Mosul,” adding that “the troops possess devices that will shock the enemy in the upcoming battle.”
PMF forces, supported by Iraqi forces, had previously freed Badush region from ISIL mid March.
Meanwhile, the troops received more than 60 displaced families from al-Hadar region.
“Over 60 displaced families escaped ISIL in the West of Mosul,” the service said. “The troops offered medical assistance and food before distributing them among freed villages along with residents of Tal Abta, Tal Fares and Midan Qulli villages.”
The popular forces, locally known as Hashd al-Sha'abi was established in 2014 to fight the ISIL terror group.
In late 2016, the Iraqi parliament recognized the force as a national armed force.
Iraqi government forces recaptured Eastern Mosul in January, and launched another offensive in February to retake the Western side.
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