MILITANTS ATTACKED IRAQ’S main oil refinery early today as they pressed an offensive that has seen them capture swathes of territory, a manager and a refinery employee said.

Clashes erupted at around 4:00 am (0100 GMT) at the Baiji refinery in Salaheddin province, north of Baghdad, and some tanks containing refined products caught fire.

A senior manager of the state-owned North Oil Company said militants attacked parts of the refinery complex, leading to heavy clashes.

A refinery employee said there had been casualties among security force personnel and that staff had fled.

Officials told AFP on Tuesday that the refinery had been shut down and many employees evacuated, because major towns seized by the militants, including second city Mosul, were no longer being supplied with refined products.

Explainer: What’s happening in Iraq?

Read: Nightmare for Obama as US confirms that troops will return to Iraq

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Explainer: What’s happening in Iraq?

Read: Nightmare for Obama as US confirms that troops will return to Iraq

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

COMMENTS (27)