Iraq's Iran-backed paramilitary says captured Baaj, important IS-held area near Syria border

A member of Iraqi rapid response forces carries his weapon, in western Mosul, Iraq, June 3, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Shi'ite paramilitaries have captured the Iraqi town of Baaj from Islamic State, further shrinking the northern region under jihadist control as part of a U.S.-backed campaign to retake the city of Mosul, the Iraqi military said on Sunday.

Eight months into the Mosul offensive, Islamic State (IS) militants have been dislodged from all of the city except an enclave along the western bank of the Tigris river.