Militants in northern Iraq seize key cities

Islamic Extremism

In Iraq, an al-Qaeda linked group has seized a second city on the road to Baghdad. The Sunni Islamic militants took control of Tikrit Wednesday, the hometown of Saddam Hussein. The militants even freed hundreds of prisoners from its jails. Iraqi troops reportedly abandoned their posts as militants closed in.

A day earlier, the militants seized Mosul and advanced on Iraq’s biggest oil refinery in Baiji. All three cities lie along a major highway leading to the capital. It was the most significant territorial conquest for the radical group, which has also taken control of parts of Syria during the civil war.  CCTV’s Wisam Bayati reports from Baghdad.

Insurgents in northern Iraq seize key cities

In Iraq, an al-Qaeda linked group has seized a second city on the road to Baghdad.The Sunni Islamic militants took control of Tikrit Wednesday, the hometown of Saddam Hussein. Iraqi troops reportedly abandoned their posts as militants closed in. A day earlier, the insurgents seized Mosul and advanced on Iraq's biggest oil refinery in Baiji. All three cities lie along a major highway leading to the capital. CCTV's Wisam Bayati reports from Baghdad with the latest.

Meanwhile, thousands of residents are leaving northern Iraq as the militants advance towards the capital. An estimated half a million people are said to be fleeing Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, after fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda splinter group, seized the city. CCTV’s Sean Callebs reports.

Thousands flee Mosul after militants takeover

Thousands of residents are leaving northern Iraq as the insurgents advance towards the capital city. An estimated half a million people are said to be fleeing Iraq's second largest city, Mosul, after fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an al-Qaeda splinter group, seized the city. ISIS fighters overran Iraqi security forces in Mosul, capital of the northern Nineveh province, on Tuesday, prompting tens of thousands to leave their homes. CCTV's Sean Callebs has more.

To discuss the latest crisis in Iraq, CCTV’s Elaine Reyes interviews J.D. Gordon, a communications consultant and former Pentagon spokesman.

J D Gordon speaks on terrorists taking over Iraqi cities

CCTV's Elaine Reyes interviews J D Gordon, a communications consultant and former Pentagon spokesman, on the latest crisis in Iraq.