In an unexpected turn of events, Islamists from the Islamic State have retaken parts of the colossal Baiji Oil refinery complex. ISIS fighters stormed the facility and engaged the Iraqi Army Golden brigade. The ensuing firefight damaged several buildings within the facility. Members of the Islamic State confirmed their assault by posting images showing the storming of the refinery as well as capture of several buildings within the Oil facility.
This comes after the Islamic state launched a renewed offensive in Northern Iraq to recapture towns and strategic infrastructure in anticipation for a grueling war against Iraqi government troops and their Shiite allies in Salahuddin province. Most of the fuel used in Iraq is refined at Baiji Oil refinery, and its fall to ISIS would be a big blow to the energy sector of Iraq.
ISIS has lost a considerable quantity of its fuel resources as a result of constant coalition air raids on its oil refineries as well as targeted strikes on their oil depots. This has impaired the operations of their mechanized divisions as some of their combat vehicles have stalled due to lack of fuel, in addition to disrupting their logistics thereby constraining troop movements as well as denying reinforcements to forward operating bases.
