Coalition: Baiji Refinery Cleared of ISIS Forces

Following the latest round of fighting for control of Baiji, Iraq's largest refinery, coalition forces led by the United States say that Iraqi soldiers, with their air support, have managed to clear the refinery of the presence of militants from the group known as 'Islamic State.' ISIS militants have attempted several times to take control of Baiji. This refinery is strategically important for Baghdad; as it returns to the control of the central government of Iraq, it re-enters the country's fuel production cycle, while under the control of Islamic State militants, it becomes a fuel supplier and a source of income for them. The coalition led by the United States stated in a statement on Sunday, April 30, that forces affiliated with the central Iraqi government have taken 'full control' of the refinery 'after successfully clearing' the remaining facilities of ISIS forces. According to this statement, the coalition has conducted 47 airstrikes over a period of 9 days. In recent days, Iraqi security forces and militias, including Shiite groups, have launched attacks against the extremists. Meanwhile, the coalition led by the United States has also carried out dozens of airstrikes. Three days prior to this report, there were reports of advances by Islamic State forces at the Baiji front and the capture of more areas near Ramadi. However, Iraqi officials stated on Saturday that they had 'almost completely' retaken the refinery. At the same time, the United Nations reports that due to the fighting between Iraqi armed forces and Islamic State militants in Anbar province, over 90,000 people have been displaced. Liz Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, described the situation as 'catastrophic' and stated that 'only providing immediate assistance can save the lives of the displaced.' The latest developments come after the retreat of ISIS extremists from Tikrit and their influx into areas in Anbar province.