Mostly militants were killed today in operations across Iraq. The Islamic State released a video purportedly showing the beheading of an American journalist. The militants also warned the United States that it would execute another journalist if U.S. forces do not withdraw from Iraq immediately. At least 146 people were killed and 24 more were wounded.
Politics:
The Islamic State claims to have beheaded photojournalist, James Foley, in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes. A video of the execution is now being studied by specialists. Another journalist, Steven Sotloff, appeared in the same video. Militants have threatened his life if the U.S. does not withdraw from Iraq. At least three other American journalists are believed held by the militants.
The United Nations is launching a new humanitarian effort to help refugees in northern Iraq.
According to one eyewitness to the slaughter in Kocho, all residents had promised to convert to Islam except their sheikh. With that one holdout, the Islamic State chose to kill the men and kidnap the women.
Kurds and Sunnis each have a list of demands that need to be addressed before a new government can form.
Fighting:
A surge in clashes was reported in Tikrit.
In Mosul, two bodies were found. Six civilians were killed and five more were wounded in an airstrike.
In Baghdad, mortar fire killed two civilians and wounded 10 more in Sabaa al-Bour.
Near Speicher Base, 37 militants were killed and dozens more were wounded in an ambush set up by security forces.
An airstrike in Jurf al-Sakhar left 33 militants dead.
In al-Thair and Tel Tasa, 23 militants were killed.
Thirteen militants were killed and nine more were wounded in airstrikes in Falluja.
Security forces killed 11 militants.
Eight militants were killed in Karaghol.
Security forces killed six militants in Duluiya.
In Latifiya, a militant leader and three comparisons were killed.
A leading militant was bombed to death in Jalula.
Iraqi forces aslo staged airstrikes in Yusufiya, Fadhiliya and Abid Weis.
