The U.S. launched a new round of airstrikes in Iraq late Saturday night in an effort to halt ISIS’s advance towards the Haditha Dam, according to Defense Department officials.
The Haditha Dam lies on the Euphrates River and could potential flood Baghdad, which is only about 175 miles from the dam. The strike appears to be an expansion of what President Obama declared last month to be a limited military campaign against ISIS, as the terrorist group increased its control in Iraq and Syria. However, the U.S. did launch a similar strike to help wrangle the Mosul Dam from ISIS’s control in August. U.S. officials insist this most recent air strike fits the original stated campaign goals of protecting U.S. citizens.
“The strikes were conducted under authority to protect U.S. personnel and facilities, support humanitarian efforts, and support Iraqi forces that are acting in furtherance of these objectives.” said Pentagon press secretary, Rear Adm. John Kirby, Sunday in a statement. Read more at the New York Times.
{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}
