White House: Ramadi capture by Islamic State a ‘setback

Islamic Extremism

After days of fierce fighting, the Islamic State is now in control of Anbar, Iraq’s largest province. It pushed government troops and Sunni militias out of a Ramadi only 110-kilometers from Baghdad. It’s a massive setback for Iraq, and the U.S. led coalition trying to halt ISIL’s march. CCTV America’s Sean Callebs filed this story from Washington, D.C.

Highlights:
  • The pitched fighting claimed as many as 500 lives – both Iraqi forces and civilians – as well as emboldened ISIL.
  •  Iraqi prime minister Haidar al-Abadi is now rushing Iranian-backed Shia militia to Ramadi as reinforcements. The U.S. has been urging al-Abadi to postpone sending Shia fighters to the Sunni stronghold, concerned it would enflame sectarian fighting. But it is clear Iraq needs help if it is going to stop ISIL’s onslaught.
  • The U.S. led airstrikes have increased – and fleeing troops report large explosions in Ramadi.
  • The chaos caused by ISIL in Syria and Iraq have made Jordan’s security a key focus for the United States, which considers Jordan a stable, key ally in the region.

Sajad Jiyad on the situation in Iraq
For more on Iraq, CCTV spoke to Sajad Jiyad. He’s an independent Iraq analyst. He spoke to me via skype and explained the significance of Ramadi falling to ISIL.