Peshmerga sources told Rudaw that the Kurdish forces are planning a three-pronged assault to recapture the village. The strategy is to first capture surrounding villages and then push into Bashir.

Peshmerga sources said the offensive was ongoing and that the Kurdish forces are advancing against ISIS.The Peshmerga are aiming to close off supply routes by controlling the roads into Bashir.

Military sources told Rudaw that ISIS has responded to the Peshmerga offensive by firing mortars.

The militants have fired up to 12 mortars on the Peshmerga since morning on Saturday and have planted several bombs in an effort to halt the Peshmerga advance.

Bashir, 20 kilometers south of Kirkuk city, is a predominantly Shiite town that fell to ISIS last year. Since then, the Hashd forces launched several failed offensives to recapture the village.

Before the town fell to ISIS last year, 1,800 families were living there.