BAGHDAD (Dispatches) – Iraq's popular mobilization forces, known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, have declared a state of alert in the strategic road connecting Iraq to Syria in a bid to prevent the penetration of Daesh terrorists into areas under the control of the U.S. Army in western Iraq, the Arabic-language media reported on Tuesday.
"The forces of divisions 17 and 18 of Iraq's Hashd al-Sha'abi have been stationed along Akashat-al-Qaem international highway from al-Ratabeh Intersection to the West of al-Anbar Province, the Arabic-language al-Ma'aloumeh news website quoted commander of Hashd al-Sha'abi's Division 17 Jasem al-Nouri as saying on Tuesday.
Al-Nouri noted that Hashd al-Sha'abi forces are in dominant control of security along the international highway, and said his forces are prepared to confront the Daesh from Syria towards Iraq's territories, including Wadi Houran region.
He also said that Hashd al-Sha'abi has maintained security of 70 kilometers of the international road up to Akashat.
Media reports said on Saturday that the U.S. military men stationed in occupied bases in al-Anbar province use the Daesh terrorists in disguise of ordinary people to target the Iraqi forces in desert areas of the region.
Head of Badr Organization's Office in al-Anbar Qusai al-Anbari was quoted by al-Ma'aloumeh news website as saying that the U.S. forces deployed in Ein al-Assad and al-Habaniyeh bases in al-Anbar deserts in western Iraq are using a new method to attack the Iraqi security forces.
He added that they disguise the Daesh terrorists as shepherds and tribesmen to launch on against the Iraqi security forces, Hashd al-Shaabi (Iraqi popular forces) and civilians in al-Anbar desert.

Members of the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), also known as Hashd al-Sha'abi, advance toward Tal Afar, Iraq, Aug. 22, 2017.