Hashid forces mass for offensive south of Kirkuk
Thousands of government-backed militia fighters with heavy weapons are gathering for an assault on the Islamic State-held town of Bashir. Victory would give Kirkuk and its oil a larger buffer against attacks but risks increased disputed territory tension in the aftermath.
A group of Iraqi fighters, including al-Hashid al-Shabi and Shia Turokmen combatants, drive toward the city of Bashir, 20 kilometers south of Kirkuk on March 18, 2015. (MARWAN IBRAHIM/AFP/Getty Images)
KIRKUK - State-backed Shia militia forces are massing in their thousands south of Kirkuk for their first major offensive against the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in three months, since securing the Baiji refinery and city from militants.
The planned assault will target Bashir, a predominantly Shia Turkomen town 18 kilometers south of Kirkuk city, the furthest east the IS militants hold territory.
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