IBRAHIM BIN ALI, Iraq — The predominantly Sunni agricultural area east of al-Karma is dotted with dusty date palms rising amid slow-moving waterways, trenches and buildings used as temporary bases or abandoned in various states of destruction. The fight against the Islamic State (IS) will likely prove tougher in this province, Anbar, than any other in the Iraq.
The government-allied, primarily Shiite militias known as the Popular Mobilization Units played a key role in retaking sections of Anbar, but were reportedly withdrawn from around Ramadi, the provincial capital, beginning April 10 in response to a US demand. They, however, remain in positions in other areas of the province.
