Battle rages for key Iraqi oil refinery

[flamingdem]

Source: Deutsche Welle

Iraqi security forces have foiled an attempt by Islamic State (IS) militants to take the country's main oil refinery. Meanwhile, media have reported that a German man abducted by the IS in Syria has been released.

Jihadist-led militants have launched a new push to seize the key Baiji oil refinery north of Baghdad, security officials said on Sunday.

The fighting broke out on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday, the sources said.
Security forces guarding the refinery had been able to repulse the attack with the backing of warplanes, an offical told DPA news agency, adding, however, that fighting was continuing to break out nearby.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said at least 30 militants were killed.

Militants from the IS group have made several attempts to take the facility since the jihadist fighters took over considerable swaths of land in northern Iraq in a lightning offensive in June. The refinery, some 200 km (124 miles) north of the capital, once accounted for over 50 percent of Iraq's supplies of refined oil products.

Read more: http://www.dw.de/battle-rages-for-key-iraqi-oil-refinery/a-17874308

---

About control of oil and money. Isis is already selling oil.

[JEB]

1. Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL).

[flamingdem]

3. Indeed. Remember how this was the refinery

that was fought over by the US and Saddam. Always the oil..

[Purveyor]

2. Can you believe this shit? Seriously. 6-9 months ago few even knew of ISIS/ISIL.

Something stinks of all of this to high heaven, indeed.

[flamingdem]

4. The administration admits as much

Out of the blue Hagel is saying they're a huge threat, never seen anything like it blah blah.

I think it's true because they don't act like terrorists. They're insurgents using terrorist tactics, but they have no political wing so not really a "state".

They seem more like the Mexican drug lords who exercise huge power and wealth by being ruthless with governments that lack the will/means to fight.

[Purveyor]

5. And we are spending how many billions on intel for what? eom

[flamingdem]

6. Here's what happens to Intel: ISIS Beheads its Moroccan Leader Over Espionage

http://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2014/08/137156/isis-beheads-its-moroccan-leader-over-espionage/

* I just saw this, not a great gig! I can believe they'd have informants, not every muslim will approve of Isis and the pay must be very high for a top level spy

Rabat- Militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) reportedly beheaded a group of prominent leaders including Abu Ubaida Almaghribi, because of doubts regarding their allegiance and work for foreign entities.

According to Alyoum24, Ubaida Almaghribi, who is originally from Morocco, and served as the head of intelligence services of the ISIS organization in the city of Aleppo, Syria, was beheaded after being accused for reporting information on the activities, movements, and plans of ISIS to the United Kingdom.

This is the first time the organization announces the execution of one of its members.

[ballyhoo]

7. Think of why they formed and who benefits

by their formation.

[riderinthestorm]

8. They were formerly Al Qaeda in Iraq. They initiated a power play with the AQ leadership

When they were told they were too violent (even for AQ!) and kicked out.

Their success however is like a magnet and other militants and groups are rapidly joining.