Iraqi Army Recaptures the City of Beiji from ISIS

Official sources in Iraq have told news agencies that the Iraqi army has recaptured the city of Beiji from the Islamic State group and is currently working to regain control of the Beiji oil refinery. The Beiji refinery, located near the city, is the largest refinery in Iraq. AFP reported that Beiji was the largest city in Iraq that had fallen to ISIS in recent months, but the Iraqi army has successfully brought it back under its control. The report added that the Iraqi army's operations to reclaim Beiji from the Islamic State group began about two weeks ago and ultimately concluded on Friday, November 23. Iraq's official television has also confirmed this news. AFP and Reuters have reported that the siege on ISIS forces at the Beiji refinery is tightening due to the Iraqi army's efforts. According to Reuters, Iraqi forces are now only about one kilometer away from the refinery. Reports indicate that coalition warplanes led by the United States have bombed Islamic State positions in Beiji and its surroundings, clearing the way for Iraqi forces to advance. An army commander also told Reuters that ISIS forces are fleeing toward the river surrounding the city, and warplanes have targeted them. AFP also states that recapturing Beiji and its refinery will put Islamic State forces in Tikrit in a vulnerable position.