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Ayyub Faleh Hassan al-Rubaies reputation for ruthless revenge attacks against members of the Islamic State militantgroup (ISIS) has earned him international attention and the nickname Archangel of Death. He goes after his victims with an ax and sword. Once, he set an ISIS fighters corpse on fire. When he was accused of mutilating the body, he assured his loyal supporters he had confessed his sins to his imam under instructions to never do such a thing again.

Now the Iraqi militiaman widely known in Iraq as Abu Azrael (meaning Father of Azrael, the Islamic and Jewish angel of death) is looking across the border into Syria. After recently dislodging ISIS from several northwestern Iraqi villages in the region, the celebrity warrior toldNewsweekhe wants to continue defending his homeland from the Sunni militant group by any means necessary.

Related: War in Iraq: Iran allies battle ISIS to secure border with Syria and Unite forces

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The effort is significant beyond the global attention focused on Abu Azraels superhero persona. The border operation could help create an extensive route of support from Damascus to Baghdad against ISISs self-proclaimed caliphate, which has significantly diminished throughout Iraq and Syria in recent years.

We have not entered into Syrian territory, but we are still on the Syrian-Iraqi border and were closing in on Daesh, inflicting bitter losses, Abu Azrael said via Twitter, using the Arabic-language acronym for ISIS. We will defend the oppressed people of all sects, protect the country from criminals, help the displaced and return them to their areas.

Abu Azrael, center, part of the majority-Shiite Muslim Kataib al-Imam Ali, is one of over 100,000 fighters under the umbrella of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces involved in the battle against the Islamic State militant group. In this photo provided by his official Facebook page, Abu Azrael poses with comrades in the desert district of Al-Ba'aj, in northwestern Iraq, on May 30. Social Media

The Iraqi militiaman first made headlines in 2015, when he drew comparisons to Sylvester Stallones iconic Hollywood Vietnam War action hero, JohnRambo. His massive, muscular frame often stands out from his fellow fighters in Kataib al-Imam Ali, a majority-Shiite Muslim militia operating under the banner of the Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The militia operates under a joint command with the Iraqi military and is considered a semiofficial branch of the states armed forces.

In one of the most recent instancesof Abu Azraels warpath against ISIS, he claimed in a clip posted late last month on social media to have burned the nearby jihadist-occupied village of al-Adnaniyah in Iraq. Abu Azrael and his comrades in Kataib al-Imam Ali said they were operating near the Sinjar mountains west of Mosul where the Iraqi military, Kurdish forces and a U.S.-led international coalition have advanced against the final jihadist positions in what was once ISISs largest city of control. In the video, one of Abu Azraels fellow militiamen vowed to finish the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Syria, suggesting the Iraqi militias were preparing to cross the border.

The remark drew a negative response from U.S.-backed forces in Syria. The territory immediately across the border from Kataib al-Imam Alis positions is controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed coalition consisting mostly of Kurds, but including Arabs and other ethnic minorities battling ISIS. The SDF is currently storming ISISs de facto capital of Raqqa with heavy support by the U.S., which remains wary of Iranian influence in the Middle East. While the PMF and Kurds have allied in the fight against ISIS in Iraq, SDF spokesperson Tilal Silo said late last month that the group would not allow the Iran-backed PMF in its territory in Syria.

Abu Azrael joins representatives of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) and other officials for Iftar dinner in Baghdad, Iraq, May 31, 2017. Social Media

If Hashd forces attempt to enter our areas, our forces will fight them, Silo told Kurdistan24 news outlet, referring to the PMFs Arabic-language name:Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi.

Reports had emerged in recent days claiming PMF forces had already crossed into Syria and had begun digging trenches in preparation for battle. Across the border, they could link up with anti-ISIS campaigns run by the Syrian army and its allies. But PMF spokesperson Ahmad al-Asadi later denied the rumors, saying that official Iraqi armed forces do not have a presence outside of Iraqi territory, according to Kurdistan24.

In its three years of fighting, the PMF played a major role in reversing territorial gains in Iraq made by ISIS, which once claimed up to 45 percent of the nation. After the ultraconservative Sunni Muslim group conducted mass executions, incarcerations and implemented other forms of harsh oppression against locals, Abu Azrael was one of more than 100,000 militia fighters to take up arms and force the militants out of key cities, leaving only Mosul and pockets of influence elsewhere. Abu Azrael, a father of five, was noticed online for going above and beyond his call of duty, killing ISIS militants not only with bullets, but by ax and sword, as well. He has reportedly trained in Tae Kwon Do.

Social media footage also drew Abu Azrael heavy criticism last year, however, when he was pictured burning the corpse of an ISIS fighter. He later apologized for the act, which could amount to a war crime. The incident highlighted concerns by Iraqs Sunni Muslim population of retribution acts by Shiite Muslim militias and the Iraqi army. Stories of such atrocities have already begun to emerge, but Abu Azrael assured that ISIS fighters were his and his comrades only target. He said such reports of sectarian tensions had been exaggerated and propagated by external factors promoting a harsh, intolerant brand of Islam similar to that of ISIS and aimed at distorting the PMFs mission.

We do not pose any threat to any peaceful entity, Abu Azrael said. We are Kataib al-Imam Ali and other resistance factions of the Iraqi army, and our main target is Daesh and no one else. I dont believe anyone wants Daesh in the country.

As for those who criticize Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, this is his personal opinion or what is published by some media about the Hashd containing lies and fake news, so some people believe it, he added.

Both fame and infamy, however, have not stopped Abu Azrael from pursuing his mission to pulverize ISIS into flour, as he often says. After ISIS is defeated, Abu Azrael said Kataib al-Imam Ali, which also reportedly includes some Sunni Muslims and Yazidis, will work with all communities toward preventing the resurgence of jihadist groups in the country.

After the liberation of Iraq [from ISIS militants], we will ensure that they never return. Abu Azrael toldNewsweekbefore regrouping with his men to pray. I hope the world has witnessed their crimes against our people and will support us.

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Iraq's 'Archangel of Death' Known for Slaughtering ISIS Fighters Denies War Crime Accusations - Newsweek

DETROIT (WJBK) - Dozens of Chaldean immigrants who were taken into custody over the weekend await persecution once they're returned to Iraq, families say. Now, they're scrambling to make a desperate attempt to save their loved ones from deportation.

On Sunday, dozens of Chaldean immigrannts were rounded up by ICE and taken to the immigration detention center in Detroit. They've since been moved on to a correctional facility in Youngston, Ohio, while they await the likely deportation to Iraq as part of a deal reached by the two countries.

"We're hearing that a plane may be leaving as early as the end of this week," Martin Manna, President of Chaldean Community Foundation said. "Today we're hearing there may be some hunger strikes amongst some of these folks. What do they have to risk at this point? If they are sent back, there is no hope for them unfortunately."

The detained Iraqi nationals would be loaded onto a plane and then delivered back to Iraq. Many of the detained immigrants are Chaldeans. Their families say they'll be persecuted for their beliefs when they're returned to Iraq.

Christian Iraqis are persecuted in Iraq because of their faith. For those reasons, Summer Zora says her husband won't live long, once returned to Iraq.

"My husband has a big tattoo of mother Mary of God. Once he gets to Iraq, ISIS or whatever, they're going to kill him right away," Zora said.

Approximately 400 detainees are being held in Ohio from Metro Detroit and other areas. The majority of the detainees from metro Detroit have some sort of criminal history but their families argue they were convicted of non-violent crimes and many were committed decades ago.

Najah Konja served prison time for a drug conviction in the 1980's. His brother Shoki says he's been a model citizen since and has paid his debt to society.

He fears the worst if his brother is deported.

"Where is he go going to go? He's going to be a target as soon as he walks out of the airport," Shoki said. "We come from a small town in the north of Iraq. It was liberated two months ago. There is not one Christian living in our town."

Manna says that the United States should not be sending the immigrants to a country where they will knowingly be persecuted.

"As a country when we talk about human rights violations, there are rules against convention against torture. There's laws that prevent government from sending people to an active warzone where they're knowingly going to be persecuted," Manna said.

READ MORE:

Woman who collapsed in front of ICE truck shares the toll of deportations ICE detains dozens, mostly from Iraq, in Metro Detroit Iraqi Christians, Muslims deported from Metro Detroit after U.S. deal with Iraq

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Families say deported Chaldeans will be persecuted in Iraq - Fox 2 Detroit

Department of Defense

US Boosts Team to Investigate Civilian Deaths in Iraq, Syria New York Times WASHINGTON The U.S. military has more than doubled the size of the team that investigates reports of civilian casualties in strikes by the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq and Syria. Independent and activist groups raised concerns about the growing number ... Officials Release Details of Latest Strikes Against ISIS in Iraq, SyriaDepartment of Defense Trump Administration Targets ISIS Leaders With New US Sanctions Over Chemical Weapons Used In IraqNewsweek Video: Syrian Army Reaches Border with Iraq, Strategic Implications, Failure of US Plan to Create a Buffer Zone ...Center for Research on Globalization Anadolu Agency all 81 news articles »

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US Boosts Team to Investigate Civilian Deaths in Iraq, Syria - New York Times

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said Tuesday it produced more crude oil in May, underscoring the fragility of the cartels agreement with other big producers to cut output and stabilize a slumping market.

OPECs output rose 1% to over 32.14 million barrels in May, led largely by increases from three of its 14 members: Libya, Nigeria and Iraq, according to the cartels closely watched monthly market report.

The increase from Libya and Nigeria wasnt a surprise because those countries were exempted from any obligation to cut as they try to come back from sabotage and violent disruptions to their supplies.

Read: U.S. shale-oil output expected to rise by 127,000 barrels a day in July: EIA

But Iraq agreed last December, and again in May, to some of the largest production cuts undertaken by the cartel. Instead its output increased over 44,000 barrels a day to over 4.4 million barrels a day.

Read: Oil prices higher again, but supply glut hangs over market

OPECs members have agreed with 10 nations outside the cartel to cap their production at roughly 1.8 million barrels CLN7, -1.03% LCOQ7, -0.88% a day lower than levels in October 2016. Their goal is to draw down historically high amounts of oil in storage, which represent a global oil supply that has kept prices between $45 and $55 a barrel for much of the year.

An expanded version of this report is on WSJ.com.

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OPEC oil production rose in May owed to unexpected boost from Iraq - MarketWatch

Igor Kossov, Special for USA TODAY Published 2:35 p.m. ET June 12, 2017 | Updated 16 minutes ago

Sick and starving residents were seen fleeing western Mosul on Friday, as Iraqi and U.S.-backed coalition forces continued to push Islamic State group militants from the city. (June 10) AP

Iraqi elite Rapid Response Division members gather around a building in Mosul's western Al-Shifa district as they battle against Islamic State fighters, on June 12, 2017.(Photo: Mohamed El-Shahed, AFP/Getty Images)

IRBIL, Iraq The Iraqi military had planned on a big celebration Saturday, the third anniversary of the Islamic State's capture of Mosul, by completing the liberation of Iraq's second-largest city and the militants' last major stronghold in the country. But it didn't happen.

Instead, the military is still struggling to eject amilitant group that has shown reneweddetermination and ferocitythan expected despite being heavily outnumbered.

On Sunday, Iraqi forces began to storm one of the gateways into the final bastion held by the Islamic State, or ISIS, in Mosul: the "Old City."

"They are fighting much harder than before," said Rebin Rozhbayane, a former officer and trainer with the Iraqi army who was near the front lines in western Mosul over the past few weeks.

Iraq's Joint Operations Command saidSunday that 23 militants were killed as government troops entered Bab Sinjar, the northern entrance to the Old City. Fewer than 1,000 fighters are believed toremain in Mosul, hiding among hundreds of thousands of civilians. Tens of thousands of Iraqi troops are deployed to dislodge the militants.

Yahya Rasol, an Iraqi military spokesman, said the army's Ninth Division took the Zanjli neighborhood north of the Old City, allowing Iraqi forces to control the Bab Sinjar entry.

Iraqi federal police posted on their official Facebook account that they are "tightening the noose" around ISIS in the Old City, which has been completely encircled by government forces. Iraqi forces captured eastern Mosul in January and later crossed the Tigris River into western Mosul, wherethe ancient city first arose.

Liberating the Old City isthe most difficult part of the offensive because of its narrow streets and densely clustered buildings. These conditions preventthe use of armored vehicles and create a high risk of ambushes, booby traps and civilian casualties.

The big prize in the Old City is the al-Nuri mosque, where ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made a public speech in 2014 after the militants captured Mosul. Recapturing the city would mean a symbolic end to the Islamic State's reign in Iraq.

Iraq's federal police forces came within hundreds of yards of the mosque in March and hinted at the time that they would take it shortly. However, the widely publicized deaths of hundreds of civilians in U.S.-led bombing raids forceda changeinstrategy.

Iraqi forces decided to surround the Old City first and thenopen corridors for civilians being used as human shields to escape."The biggest challenge is to kill the (ISIS fighters)while making a safe way out for civilians," said Muntader Khazem, a sergeant with the Emergency Response Division, the elite unit of the federal police.

According to Rozhbayane, the presence of civilians is slowing down the operation, even thoughU.S. Air Force Col.John Dorrian predicted in May that ISIS is "on the brink of total defeat in Mosul."

Rozhbayane saidIraqi forces are nowproceedingmore cautiously, taking many breaks to update their tactics and give their troops time to rest.

The United Nations refugee agency reported on Thursdaya "significant escalation of extremist groups use of civilians as human shields and targeting of those attempting to flee areas under their control."

"At least 204 civilians attempting to flee western Mosul have reportedly been killed during the last week alone," the refugee agency said.

In addition to worries about trapped civilians, the Iraqi offensive has slowed because of fierce resistance from ISIS fighters who havenowhere left to go.Ahandful of snipers holdingout in a single building wereenough to delay Iraqi forces by up to a day.

"The last thing you want to do is underestimate these guys," said Alex Moreau, a Canadian forces veteran serving as a volunteer medic near Mosul."Some of them have been fighting since the early days of the American occupation" in 2003, said Moreau,who said he saw scores of federal police casualties.

Read more:

Iraqi families fear reprisals against relatives forced to help ISIS

Meet the men who fought ISIS from inside Mosul

This Iraqi sniper picks off ISIS fighters as they hide behind human shields

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ISIS clings to Mosul on 3rd anniversary of invading Iraq - USA TODAY