BAGHDAD, Iraq – Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced that Shiite militia forces will participate in the upcoming Mosul offensive. He issued the announcement on Friday as his supporters gathered in Baghdad once again to protest against corruption and demand a technocrat government.
“This is a military order to Saraya al-Salam [the military wing of Sadr’s Mahdi army] to coordinate with (Iraqi) special and security forces to accept your service immediately and without delay,” Sadr’s written statement said.
Forces of the Saraya al-Salam will be deployed to Sharqat in northern Salahadin province, north of Baghdad, to participate in the Mosul offensive, according to Sadr’s announcement.
Sunni groups have insisted that the Shiite militias should not participate in the operation to liberate the Sunni city of Mosul, noting the reports of abuses committed by Shiite militias in Fallujah.
Sadr’s declaration comes at a time when he and other Shiite authorities have threatened that they will deem the United States to be an occupying force if they attend the Mosul offensive. The US recently announced they will send an additional 560 troops to Iraq to assist with the operation to retake Mosul.
Meanwhile Sadr’s supporters gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square on Friday once again.
Rudaw’s correspondent Bahman Hassan reported that Saraya al-Salam militants are securing the protest, unarmed and dressed as civilians.
Protestors were calling for corruption to be uprooted and a technocrat government installed, while chanting “Love to the nation.”
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