Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the highest Shi’ite cleric in Iraq, urged parliament to begin work on forming a new government that has broad support. In other words, selecting a premier that would be acceptable to all of Iraq’s factions, which can’t be said of Maliki. Elections took place in April, but a new government was not formed before ISIS/DAASH militants seized Mosul. Until now, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki seemed headed for a third term.
A chemical weapons facility near Baghdad was seized by militants but probably does not have much in the way of viable weapons.
Kurdish oil arrived in Israel today, making it the first delivery of oil directly from Kurdistan. Baghdad has insisted that Arbil cannot sell oil independently, and the United States has backed Baghdad’s stance. However, with the fighting across Iraq, buyers are willing to supplement their stocks with the disputed oil. The final destination for this load is unknown.
In Mosul, militants have continued to destroy the city’s cultural heritage. Now, they have smashed statues celebrating a 19th century musician/composer and 9th century poet. There are rumors that Christians are now required to pay a tax.
The United Nations is expanding its Iraq refugee operations to help an estimated one million refugees.
Shi’ite militiamen are filling in the vacuum left by the estimated 90,000 Iraqi troops who abandoned their posts when militants invaded northern Iraq, but will it be enough to fight against the increasingly wealthy militants?
Casualties:
In Samarra, 45 unidentified bodies were found, bearing gunshot wounds, on the banks of the Tigris River.
Hundreds of militants crossed into Iraq from Syria and attacked security forces at Qaim. At least 34 soldiers were killed trying to keep them out. The mayor complained that there was no help sent from Baghdad, and so the city has mostly fallen to the militants. 79
Clashes in Muqdadiya left 30 Shi’ite militiamen dead. Three people were killed and five more were wounded during a mortar attack. Four militants were killed.
An I.E.D. killed a civilian and wounded two more in Baquba.
Fierce fighting is going on in Baiji where two Iraqi helicopters may have been downed. Many soldiers have been killed or wounded.
Clashes are also taking place in Tal Afar.
Peshmerga forces in Jalawla have recovered most of the town from militants. Three militants were killed.
Three militants were killed in Garma al-Falluja.
In Baghdad, two militants were killed.
Two militants were killed in Arab Jabour.
In Shirqat, militants threatened to burn down abandoned homes if the residents don’t return and repent.
Saadan, in Anbar province, was freed.
Many militants were killed in Falluja.
