(VOVworld) – The semi-armed forces of Hashd Shaabi have liberated 5 villages from the Islamic State group amid conflicts in western Mosul, Iraqi army reported on Sunday.

Iraqi troops patrol in Hatra village, near Mosul, on April 28 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Hashd Shaabi’s military operation was launched in 3 directions to free Hatra village, 100km from Mosul, and scattered villages near the Iraq-Syria border. At least 20 IS fighters were killed and 4 car bombs were destroyed.  

On Sunday, the special forces of Iraq’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Federal Police continued to fight IS in the suburban areas of Mosul. Iraqi forces said they are determined to liberate Mosul within May.