Iraqi media outlets began reporting on Saturday that leaders of ISIS have started fleeing to Syria their families because of the rapid progress of the Iraqi army, police and the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) in Tel Afar.

The PMU have approached the main road linking between Tel Afar and Sinjar, a vital artery from ISIS-held territories in Iraq to Syria.

Although the PMU have not been participating in the battle for Mosul city, they play a pivotal role in defeating ISIS, with their main mission being to cut any ISIS escape from Iraq to Syria, and securing the border.

PMU leaders have said that they will participate in fighting ISIS in Syria once the terrorist group have been eradicated from Iraq.