Iraqi Shiite Militias Take Over Operations in Anbar Province

Iraqi Shiite militias announced that they have taken responsibility for military operations in Anbar Province, Iraq, aimed at driving out the group known as the 'Islamic State' from the area. Reuters reported on Tuesday, May 26, the statements of a spokesperson for the 'Hashd al-Shaabi' (Popular Mobilization Forces) who stated that the new operations against the 'Islamic State' are codenamed 'Labbaik Ya Hussein.' The spokesperson, who attended a press conference under the name Asadi, stated: 'The Labbaik Ya Hussein operation is being conducted under the leadership of Hashd al-Shaabi and in cooperation with the armed forces [of Iraq].' In recent days, the Iraqi government suffered its hardest defeat in a year from the 'Islamic State' after losing the city of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province. At that time, Reuters reported the entry of Shiite militias into the battles in Anbar Province, noting that about three thousand of them had been transferred to a military base near Ramadi to participate in the operation to retake the city. The Hashd al-Shaabi spokesperson assured that the capital of Anbar Province would soon be liberated from the 'Islamic State.' He stated: 'We believe that the liberation of Ramadi will not take long.' However, Reuters noted that assigning military operations in Anbar to Shiite militias could incite anger among the Sunni population of the country, especially considering the codename 'Labbaik Ya Hussein,' which is 'clearly sectarian.' According to this news agency, the failure of the regular Iraqi army to hold the city of Ramadi has forced the government to send Iranian-backed Shiite militias to assist in retaking the city. On the other hand, Washington is concerned that this could anger the Sunni residents of Anbar Province and push them towards the 'Islamic State.' In recent days, the Iraqi government has managed to regain control of some areas around Ramadi, including the town of Huseiba.