Australian man joins Christian militia to fight against Islamic State

Melbourne, Feb 17: An Australian man has reportedly joined a Christian militia fighting against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in northern Iraq.

Khamis Gewargis Khamis is stationed in a town called Baqofa, around 30 kilometres from the major IS-held city of Mosul, an ABC report said.

Khamis, who is married with two children, joined an independent Assyrian militia known as Dwekh Nawsha, meaning "self sacrifices". The militia was formed in response to IS' assault on the Assyrian minority in Iraq.

"They (IS) don't discriminate when it comes to killing, torture and so on," Khamis was quoted by ABC from his base in northern Iraq.

"These are barbaric people, they came here only to die for what they believe in, so you can imagine the terror that they are spreading among the families, the kids and so on."

Khamis said that he was aware he might be breaking Australian foreign fighters laws by taking up arms with the militia, but that he was ready to defend himself if there were any consequences.

"I am concerned, we do love Australia, it's our second home, we love it as much as we love Iraq," he said.

"We are concerned, but if anything happens because of my travel here and supporting and joining Dwekh Nawsha I am happy and prepared to stand in front of the law," he said.

PTI