A US patrol in eastern Mosul ran into a surprising checkpoint on January 31 accordinng to video and reports. The men, patrolling from a base near the University, ran into members of the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). Iran’s Press TV has not highlighted the incident, seeking to show that the Hashd al-Shaabi “stopped” the Americas. In fact the patrol continued on its way.
The PMU has now warned the US against “provocations.” The Middle East Center for Reporting and Analysis (MECRA) has an article that looks at this incident and its ramifications. It is part of a larger pattern. The PMU appears to be challenging the US near Mosul. Foot patrols by US soldiers are rare, locals say.
It comes as Iraqi forces disarmed grad rockets aimed at Al-Asad base
Sangar Khaleel posted several details about the Mosul incident
Moslawis say they just want peace, after years of conflict.