Iraqi Shia militia move on Tal Afar raises tensions with Turkey

摘要

Iraqi Shia militias operating under the umbrella of the Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces: PMF) have begun to advance on Tal Afar to the west of Mosul in a move that has raised concerns about sectarian violence and Turkish military intervention. Although unsupported by the US-led coalition, the PMF has made a rapid northwards advance to the west of Mosul since 27 October, when it announced the start of its operation to cut the Islamic State's remaining supply lines into the city. The advance put the PMF within 35 km of Tal Afar by 4 November.