The Hashd are a controversial group of 40 mainly Shia militias with strong links to Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Fears are that an empowered Shia militia may take advantage of the situation to take greater control of the country When the dust settles, will the Hashd remain under central Iraqi government command? We join them on the front line as they help Iraqi forces fight Islamic State.

Source: The Guardian July 21, 2016 10:07 UTC