Iraq: Government takes back Baiji refinery from ISIL militants

World Today

Several natural gas fields close to Baghdad appear to have fallen into the hands of ISIL militants. The gains were made overnight, as Iraqi army units were pushed back. But elsewhere, the Iraqi government made gains — particularly at the important Baiji oil refinery in Northern Iraq.

Government forces backed by helicopter gunships have fought for a week to defend oil refinery in Baiji. Military official said Tuesday that Sunni militants were regrouping for another push to capture the sprawling facility.

Along with a nearby power plant, the refinery supplies Iraq with a third of its refined fuel and nearly a tenth of its electricity, according to Barclays analysts. CCTV’s Tony Cheng reports.

Government takes back Beiji refinery from ISIL

Several natural gas fields close to Baghdad appear to have fallen into the hands of ISIL militants. The gains were made overnight, as Iraqi army units were pushed back. But elsewhere, the Iraqi government made gains -- particularly at the important Baiji oil refinery in Northern Iraq. CCTV's Tony Cheng reports.

There are reports that the first armed U.S. drones flew over Iraq on Thursday.The Iraqi Vice President has called for a session of parliament on Tuesday to decide on the formation of A new government. Hamza Hendawi of the Associated Press, has more from Baghdad.

Iraq's Parliament to meet next week

There are reports that the first armed U.S. drones flew over Iraq on Thursday.The Iraqi Vice President has called for a session of parliament on Tuesday to decide on the formation of A new government. Hamza Hendawi of the Associated Press, has more from Baghdad.

CCTV’s Mike Walter interviews Cole Bockenfeld, Director of Advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy, to talk about the call for a new government change in Iraq.

Cole Bockenfeld talks about current crisis in Iraq

CCTV's Mike Walter interviews Cole Bockenfeld, Director of Advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy, to talk about the call for a new government change in Iraq.