Kurdish and Iraqi forces have gained control of the strategic Mosul Dam from Islamic State militants, with the help of U.S. air raids.

IS militants controlled the dam for many weeks. Many feared the group would blow up the dam, which would put hundreds of thousands of people in danger.

U.S. fighter jets and drones continue to bomb IS targets. Without the help of American air power Peshmerga troops say they would remain outgunned by the IS.

The Mosul Dam is Iraq’s largest dam, and provides electricity to Mosul and water for much of the country. Its strategic importance has led to much violence and tension surrounding who controls it.

CCTV America’s Sean Callebs reports.