ISIS’ Latest Target Could Put A Stranglehold On Iraq

07.22.2015 | Surge Wire |

Islamic State is besieging Haditha, a vital Iraqi city home to a hydroelectric dam that powers nearly one-third of the country as well as a nearby U.S. military base.

Haditha residents survive on limited food, scarce medical supplies and only three hours of electricity per day, as beleaguered government forces seek to repel Islamic State attacks, Washington Post correspondent Loveday Morris reports.

Situated on the Euphrates River, Haditha came under increased risk after the Islamic State captured Ramadi in May, the capital of Sunni-majority Anbar province. (RELATED: ISIS Exploited Sandstorm To Launch Attack On Iraqi City)

Islamic State nearly surrounds Haditha, controlling the nearest city of Hit, as well as Falluja, Ramadi and the swath of desert to Haditha’s west, according to The Washington Post.

About 300 U.S. military personnel are training Sunni tribesmen to fight Islamic State 25 miles from Haditha, at Ayn al-Assad air base. The U.S.-led coalition has launched airstrikes to keep the terror group from capturing the city, but Iraqi troops say they don’t get involved until attacks intensify. (RELATED: US Announces New Military Approach To Beating ISIS)

Islamic State captured Mosul Dam, Iraq’s largest, last August. By controlling electricity, militants were able cut off the supply to opponents, while local tribes were given access in exchange for their allegiance to the jihadi group, Business Insider reported.

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