Iran-backed Iraqi force says takes Islamic State villages near Syria

By Maher Chmaytelli BAGHDAD (Reuters) - An Iraqi Shi'ite force backed by Iran said it pushed Islamic State out of several villages on the border with Syria on Monday, potentially reopening a supply route to send Iranian weapons to President Bashar al-Assad. The maneuver could also be the prelude to a connection with the Assad's Iranian-backed forces, although they are yet to reach the Iraqi border from the Syrian side. The territory taken by the Popular Mobilisation force on Monday is located north of the Islamic State-held town of Baaj.