KIRKUK, Iraq

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces backed by a Shia militia took control of four villages in southern Kirkuk province in an operation against Daesh Friday, police said.

Peshmerga and the al-Hashid al-Sha'bi militia seized control of Westaniye, Sheikh Fenber, Sheikh Fayiz and Newafil villages within a short span of time.

The operation began with the aim of seizing Beshir village, located 25 kilometers south of Kirkuk city. The U.S-led international coalition forces and Iraqi Turkmen Front were also participating in the operation.

“There is no resistance and only mine sweepers and defusing of improvised bombs are required,” Serhat Kadir, Kirkuk province’s police chief, told The Anadolu Agency.

Also, Iraqi Turkmen Front Chairman Ershad Salihi told AA that the operation had become easier after Daesh militants began withdrawing from the village.

Iraqi forces backed by Shia militias and Kurdish forces have been battling Daesh since June 2014 when the armed group seized Mosul and much of northern and western Iraq.