A militant rocket attack on Qayara air base left no casualties but was tested for chemical agents. One of the two initial tests given was positive for a mustard agent, but the second was negative. The rocket fell within hundreds of yards of U.S. troops. The soldiers sent out to locate were given decontamination treatment and did not show any signs of poisoning.
Finance Minister Hoshiyar Zebari lost a no confidence vote in Parliament over corruption allegations. Zebari, formerly the foreign minister, took over the post two years ago when Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi formed the new government. Considerable economic fallout could result from his removal.
The leader of the Yazidi sect, Prince Tahseen Saeed Ali, assured victims of the Islamic State that they will be welcomed home. ISIS/Daesh captured thousands of women and children, subjecting them to slavery, rape, and forced marriages. Although many escaped or were rescued, over three thousand are still in custody. The offer also extends to any babies born during their detention.
About 12 villages have been freed during operation around Shirqat. There are reports that Shirqat itself has been liberated, but they may be premature.
Four villages were liberated in Anbar province.
At least 60 were killed and 19 were wounded:
In Shirqat, five security personnel and one civilian were killed during operations. Twelve security personnel and three civilians were wounded. A Daesh military official and two aides were killed in artillery fire. Five Daesh guards were killed, and 40 of their prisoners were liberated at a jail. At least 22 more militants were killed in fighting, but the number is likely much higher. Several civilians reported being lashed after waving white flags to Iraqi forces.
A bomb killed two security personnel and wounded four in Mashada.
Fifteen militants were killed during fighting in Kasarat.
Security personnel left four militants dead in Baghdadi.
Gunmen at a Rashidiya checkpoint killed three militants.
In Mosul, unidentified men killed several guards and then burned down a Daesh publishing company.
Dozens of militants were killed in Doulab.
