Sunni militants take control of Iraq's biggest oil refinery

According to Reuters, an official said that Sunni militants now control 75% of Iraq’s biggest oil refinery, Baiji, located 210 km north of Baghdad.

14:25 18 June 2014

ISIS fighters have attacked Baiji, Iraq’s biggest oil refinery located 210km north of Baghdad. According to Reuters, an official has confirmed that 75per cent of the facility is now controlled by the militants. 

 

The source was quoted saying: "The militants have managed to break into the refinery. Now they are in control of the production units, administration building and four watch towers. This is 75% of the refinery." 

 

Reuters added that the attack started at 01:00 GMT from outside the two of the main three entrances. 

 

The news came after Iran raised the prospect of military intervention to protect Shia holy sites.

 

Meanwhile, government forces have made new strikes against militants advancing towards the capital. Their goal is to push back ISIS and its Sunni Muslim allies to Diyala and Saluhuddin provinces. 

 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appeared with Sunni Muslim and Kurdish leaders on television and called for national unity in the face of the advance. 

 

Hundreds of people have been killed, many of them are believed to be captured soldiers that were shot by ISIS firing squads.