IRAQ CRISIS ++++++++++++ US airstrikes launched to Iraq’s largest dam, in the hand of IS +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Kurdish forces in northern Iraq are in near complete control of Iraqs largest dam after ousting Islamic State (IS) militants. Ground forces supported by US air strikes launched the operation to take Mosul dam. Kurdish sources said they were still trying to clear mines and booby traps from the area round the dam, a process which could take several hours. The strategically important facility was seized by IS militants on 7 August. It supplies water and electricity to northern Iraq and there had been fears the IS militants could use it to flood areas downstream. IS has seized a swathe of territory in recent months in Iraq and Syria. Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama told Congress that the limited airstrikes he has authorised on Iraq to retake its largest dam from militants protected US interests there.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 06:29:17 +0000