Both Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and the United Nations warned that the political crisis regarding corruption reform could set back the fight against Islamic State militants.
Turkish warplanes ostensibly bombing suspected Kurdistan Workers Party (P.K.K.) targets in Dohuk province instead scared the local population while destroying orchards and forests.
A large number of fighters have been deployed in preparation to liberate Rutba.
Violence left at least 17 dead:
In Baghdad, a civilian was gunned down.
Fifteen militants were killed during operations on Albu Bali and Albu Obeidi.
A militant police chief was killed in Mosul.
