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Battle of Baiji (2014–2015): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 34°56′00″N 43°29′00″E / 34.9333°N 43.4833°E / 34.9333; 43.4833
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{{main|Battle of Baiji (2014)}}
{{main|Battle of Baiji (2014)}}


Iraqi forces briefly captured Baiji on November 14, but were not able to captured the entire city, with IS present in a few neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- Staff writer(s); no by-line. --> |title=Iraq troops 'push Islamic State from oil town of Baiji' |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30052714 |newspaper=BBC News |location= |date=2014-11-14|accessdate=2014-11-18 }}</ref> Fighting continued and on December 21 the Islamic State recaptured the entire city and reestablished the siege on the refinery.
Iraqi forces briefly captured Baiji on November 14 2014, but were not able to captured the entire city, with IS present in a few neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!-- Staff writer(s); no by-line. --> |title=Iraq troops 'push Islamic State from oil town of Baiji' |url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-30052714 |newspaper=BBC News |location= |date=2014-11-14|accessdate=2014-11-18 }}</ref> Fighting continued and on December 21 the Islamic State recaptured the entire city and reestablished the siege on the refinery.


== Sporadic airstrikes and fighting ==
== Sporadic airstrikes and fighting ==
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== Spring ISIL offensive ==
== Spring ISIL offensive ==


In early March 2015, ISIL launched a fresh offensive on the refinery, after some Iraqi troops were redeployed to [[Tikrit]] to aid the Iraqi government in the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March–April 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].<ref name="Baiji may be next">{{cite web|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0MT2N620150402|title=After Tikrit, Iraqi forces may turn back to Baiji: U.S. official|publisher=|accessdate=10 April 2015}}</ref> The Iraqi government said it would send reinforcements to Baiji once the Second Battle of Tikrit had finished.<ref name="Baiji is after Tikrit">{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/news/region/iraq/abuses-by-iraqi-forces-in-tikrit-to-be-investigated-1.1484906 |title=Abuses by Iraqi forces in Tikrit to be investigated |publisher= |accessdate=10 April 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409041044/http://m.gulfnews.com/news/region/iraq/abuses-by-iraqi-forces-in-tikrit-to-be-investigated-1.1484906 |archivedate=April 9, 2015 }}</ref>
In early March 2015, ISIL launched a fresh offensive on the refinery, after some Iraqi troops were redeployed to [[Tikrit]] to aid the Iraqi government in the [[Second Battle of Tikrit (March–April 2015)|Second Battle of Tikrit]].<ref name="Baiji may be next">{{cite web|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN0MT2N620150402|title=After Tikrit, Iraqi forces may turn back to Baiji: U.S. official|publisher=|accessdate=10 April 2015}}</ref> On 7 April 2015, Iranian news media reported that 60 ISIL militants were reportedly killed by Iraqi forces in the town of Malha, which is close to the oil refinery.<ref name="96 killed in Baiji and Tikrit">{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/04/07/405140/Iraqi-army-braces-for-liberation-of-Salahuddin-from-ISIL |title=PressTV |publisher= |accessdate=17 April 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413061402/http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/04/07/405140/Iraqi-army-braces-for-liberation-of-Salahuddin-from-ISIL |archivedate=April 13, 2015 }}</ref> On 11 April 2015, ISIL launched another assault on the [[Baiji oil refinery]], capturing much of it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/12/middleeast/isis-assault-iraq-baiji-oil-refinery/|title=ISIS targets Iraq's largest oil refinery|author=Arwa Damon and Hamdi Alkhshali, CNN|date=12 April 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=17 April 2015}}</ref>


⚫
=== Airstrikes intensify and ISIS progress is halted ===
On 7 April 2015, Iranian news media reported that 60 ISIL militants were reportedly killed by Iraqi forces in the town of Malha, which is close to the oil refinery.<ref name="96 killed in Baiji and Tikrit">{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/04/07/405140/Iraqi-army-braces-for-liberation-of-Salahuddin-from-ISIL |title=PressTV |publisher= |accessdate=17 April 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413061402/http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/04/07/405140/Iraqi-army-braces-for-liberation-of-Salahuddin-from-ISIL |archivedate=April 13, 2015 }}</ref>


On April 13, RAF Tornado GR4s provided close air support for Iraqi ground forces by patrolling ahead of the Iraqi troops and successfully attacking four buildings within an ISIL military compound with Paveway IVs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latest-iraq-air-strikes|title=Update: air strikes in Iraq|date=15 April 2015| publisher = UK government}}</ref> On April 14, ISIL reinforcements arrived from [[Raqqa]], Syria, after staying three days in [[Mosul]]. Beginning on 14 April, the US-led Coalition escalated its airstrikes in the region. From 14–15 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 9 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and six smaller tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> From 15–16 April, the US-led Coalition conducted eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and four smaller tactical units, destroyed two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL fighting position, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> From 16–17 April, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck five ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL vehicles, three ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL heavy machine gun.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />
On 11 April 2015, ISIL launched another assault on the [[Baiji oil refinery]]. ISIS captured much of the refinery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/12/middleeast/isis-assault-iraq-baiji-oil-refinery/|title=ISIS targets Iraq's largest oil refinery|author=Arwa Damon and Hamdi Alkhshali, CNN|date=12 April 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=17 April 2015}}</ref>


⚫
Iraqi general Ayub Khalif was killed by ISIL on April 14 while defending the refinery along with 9 of his men. On April 17, ISIL withdrew from most parts of the oil refinery after suffering high casualties inflicted by well-entrenched Iraqi forces.<ref name=abc>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake the Baiji oil refinery from the Islamic State.|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-19/iraqi-forces-retake-baiji-oil-refinery-from-islamic-state/6403640|accessdate=17 April 2015|agency=abc}}</ref>
⚫
=== Airstrikes intensify and ISIS falls back ===


=== Continued fighting ===
On 13 April 2015, RAF Tornado GR4s provided close air support for Iraqi ground forces by patrolling ahead of the Iraqi troops and successfully attacking four buildings within an ISIL military compound with Paveway IVs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latest-iraq-air-strikes|title=Update: air strikes in Iraq|date=15 April 2015| publisher = UK government}}</ref>


On April 14, ISIL reinforcements arrived from [[Raqqa]], Syria, after staying three days in [[Mosul]]. Beginning on 14 April, the US-led Coalition escalated its airstrikes in the region. From 14–15 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 9 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and six smaller tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> From 15–16 April, the US-led Coalition conducted eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and four smaller tactical units, destroyed two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL fighting position, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> From 16–17 April, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck five ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL vehicles, three ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL heavy machine gun.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />
From 19–20 April, the US-led Coalition conducted another eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two ISIL [[VBIED]]s, an ISIL machine gun, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL ammo storage facility, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> However, ISIL was still inside the Baiji Oil Refinery on April 23, despite claims by the US and Iraqi governments that the refinery was fully secured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iraqoilreport.com/news/baiji-refinery-still-threatened-14433/|title=Baiji refinery still threatened|work=Iraq Oil Report|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On the same day, Iraqi federal policemen arrived in Baiji, to reinforce the Iraqi Army positions there. From 25–26 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 7 more airstrikes in and around Bayji, which struck six ISIL tactical units, destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL warehouse, and an ISIL mortar system.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />


On 27 April, ISIL militants launched another attack on the refinery, destroying three depots and several Iraqi forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english.shafaaq.com/security/14137-isis-attack-baiji-refinery-and-dujail.html|title=ISIS attack Baiji refinery and Dujail|work=Shafaq-news-en|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On 28 April, ISIL forces claimed to be in middle of the Refinery.<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/aali2006aa_yahoo_2_20150429|title=هجوم الأُباة على المُرتدين في المصفاة 2|work=Internet Archive|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> By May 1, ISIL controlled 60%–80% of the oil refinery.<ref name="ISIL storms Baiji oil refinery">{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/05/01/isis-storms-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-after-u-s-military-says-group-is-weakening/|title=ISIS Storms Iraq's Largest Oil Refinery After U.S. Military Says Group Is Weakening - Breitbart|work=Breitbart|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On 2 May, Iraqi forces killed Abu Ibrahim Chechen, the commander of the ISIL forces at the Baiji Oil Refinery.
Iraqi general Ayub Khalif was killed by ISIL On April 14 while defending the oil refinery along with 9 of his men.


⚫
From 2–4 May, the US-led Coalition conducted 13 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck one large and eight small ISIL tactical units, destroying eight ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL buildings, and ISIL command and control facility, two ISIL mortar tubes, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> Airstrikes continued on May 6–7, with the US-led coalition conducting 6 airstrikes in and around Baiji that struck a large ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL shelters, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />
⚫
On 17 April, ISIL withdrew from most parts of the oil refinery after suffering high casualties inflicted by well-entrenched Iraqi forces.<ref name=abc>{{cite news|title=Iraqi forces retake the Baiji oil refinery from the Islamic State.|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-19/iraqi-forces-retake-baiji-oil-refinery-from-islamic-state/6403640|accessdate=17 April 2015|agency=abc}}</ref>


⚫
Iraqi forces briefly broke the siege on May 10,<ref name="Joint attack by Iraqi army breaks ISIS siege of Baiji oil refinery">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/100520152/|title=Joint attack by Iraqi army breaks ISIS siege of Baiji oil refinery - Rudaw|work=Rudaw|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> but ISIL quickly re-entered the refinery and severed all of the supply lines leading to it.<ref name="Iraqi forces advance in Baiji" />
From 19–20 April, the US-led Coalition conducted another eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two ISIL [[VBIED]]s, an ISIL machine gun, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL ammo storage facility, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />


⚫
=== ISIL captures refinery ===
However, ISIL was still inside the Baiji Oil Refinery on April 23, despite claims by the US and Iraqi governments that the refinery was fully secured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iraqoilreport.com/news/baiji-refinery-still-threatened-14433/|title=Baiji refinery still threatened|work=Iraq Oil Report|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On the same day, Iraqi federal policemen arrived in Baiji, to reinforce the Iraqi Army positions there.


⚫
On 15 May, ISIL fighters set fire to fuel storage containers to obstruct advances by pro-Iraqi government forces. ISIL forces were embedded deep within the facility and the Iraqi security forces were reduced to supplying the defenders by air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the-islamic-state-threatens-to-capture-massive-iraqi-oil-refinery/2015/05/14/07690f36-f744-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html|title=The Islamic State threatens to capture massive Iraqi oil refinery|author=Hugh Naylor|date=15 May 2015|work=Washington Post|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> An RAF Tornado GR4 used a Paveway precision guided bomb to demolish an ISIL-held building near Baiji.<ref name="updateAirStrikes">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-air-strikes-in-iraq |date=29 May 2015 |title=Update: air strikes in Iraq}}</ref>
From 25–26 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 7 more airstrikes in and around Bayji, which struck six ISIL tactical units, destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL warehouse, and an ISIL mortar system.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />


On 27 April, ISIL militants lanched an attack on the Baiji Oil Refinery, destroying three depots and several Iraqi forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.english.shafaaq.com/security/14137-isis-attack-baiji-refinery-and-dujail.html|title=ISIS attack Baiji refinery and Dujail|work=Shafaq-news-en|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On 28 April, ISIL forces claimed to be in middle of the Baiji Oil Refenery.<ref name="archive.org">{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/aali2006aa_yahoo_2_20150429|title=هجوم الأُباة على المُرتدين في المصفاة 2|work=Internet Archive|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref>
On 22 May, ISIL finally captured the refinery in its entirety. Because of this failure, the US decided to allow Shi'ite militias under the control of the Iraqi Government to join the battle.<ref name="ISIL captures Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/23/iran-sends-troops-retake-iraqi-oil-refinery-isis|title=Iran sends troops to help retake key Iraqi oil refinery from Isis|work=the Guardian|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> However, later on the same day, Iraqi reinforcements managed to re-enter the city, and recaptured part of it from ISIL forces. Iraqi forces also managed to recapture the road leading from Baiji to the Baiji Oil Refinery. Additionally, it was reported that parts of the Baiji Oil Refinery were set on fire during the battle.<ref name="Iraqi forces advance in Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://news.vice.com/article/video-shows-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-engulfed-in-flames-after-battle-with-the-islamic-state|title=Video Shows Iraq’s Largest Oil Refinery Engulfed in Flames After Battle With the Islamic State|work=VICE News|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref>

On 29 April, Raid al-Jabouri, the Iraqi Governor of the [[Saladin Governorate]], stated that Iraqi forces were ready to launch a counter-offensive the retake the areas around Baiji and Shargat.<ref name="Iraqi forces ready for counterattack">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/29042015|title=Iraq|work=Rudaw|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> On the same day, al-Joubouri also stated that large military reinforcements were set to arrive in Baiji, later on the same day.

On 1 May, it was reported that ISIL was controlling of 60%–80% of the Baiji Oil Refinery.<ref name="ISIL storms Baiji oil refinery">{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/05/01/isis-storms-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-after-u-s-military-says-group-is-weakening/|title=ISIS Storms Iraq's Largest Oil Refinery After U.S. Military Says Group Is Weakening - Breitbart|work=Breitbart|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref>

On 2 May, Iraqi forces killed Abu Ibrahim Chechen, the commander of the ISIL forces at the Baiji Oil Refinery.

⚫
From 2–4 May, the US-led Coalition conducted 13 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck one large and eight small ISIL tactical units, destroying eight ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL buildings, and ISIL command and control facility, two ISIL mortar tubes, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />

⚫
From 6–7 May, the US-led Coalition conducted 6 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck an ISIL large tactical unit, destroying two ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL structures, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" /> On 10 May, Iraqi forces reportedly broke the ISIL siege of the Baiji Oil Refinery,<ref name="Joint attack by Iraqi army breaks ISIS siege of Baiji oil refinery">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/100520152/|title=Joint attack by Iraqi army breaks ISIS siege of Baiji oil refinery - Rudaw|work=Rudaw|accessdate=9 May 2015}}</ref> but ISIL soon re-entered parts of the refinery, nearly severing all of the Iraqi supply lines leading to it<ref name="Iraqi forces advance in Baiji" />

⚫
On 15 May, it was reported that ISIL fighters had started setting fire to fuel storage containers, in an attempt to obstruct advances by pro-Iraqi government forces. ISIL forces were still embedded deep within the facility, and the Iraqi security forces were reduced to supplying the defenders by air.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the-islamic-state-threatens-to-capture-massive-iraqi-oil-refinery/2015/05/14/07690f36-f744-11e4-a47c-e56f4db884ed_story.html|title=The Islamic State threatens to capture massive Iraqi oil refinery|author=Hugh Naylor|date=15 May 2015|work=Washington Post|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> An RAF Tornado GR4 used a Paveway precision guided bomb to demolish an ISIL-held building near Baiji.<ref name="updateAirStrikes">{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-air-strikes-in-iraq |date=29 May 2015 |title=Update: air strikes in Iraq}}</ref>

On 17 May, RAF Tornado GR4s were supporting Iraqi army operations in the Baiji area, safely destroying a car-bomb which the terrorists had positioned ahead of the advancing Iraqi troops.<ref name="updateAirStrikes" />

⚫
=== ISIL captures refinery ===

On 22 May, it was reported that ISIL had managed to capture the city of Baiji. Because of this failure, the US decided to allow Shi'ite militias under the control of the Iraqi Government to join the battle.<ref name="ISIL captures Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/23/iran-sends-troops-retake-iraqi-oil-refinery-isis|title=Iran sends troops to help retake key Iraqi oil refinery from Isis|work=the Guardian|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> However, later on the same day, Iraqi reinforcements managed to re-enter the city, and recaptured part of it from ISIL forces. Iraqi forces also managed to recapture the road leading from Baiji to the Baiji Oil Refinery. Additionally, it was reported that parts of the Baiji Oil Refinery were set on fire during the battle.<ref name="Iraqi forces advance in Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://news.vice.com/article/video-shows-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-engulfed-in-flames-after-battle-with-the-islamic-state|title=Video Shows Iraq’s Largest Oil Refinery Engulfed in Flames After Battle With the Islamic State|work=VICE News|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref>


== Iraqi summer offensive ==
== Iraqi summer offensive ==


== Capture of the city ==
On 7 June, Iraqi Security Forces and [[al-Hashd al-Shaabi]] militia, with aid from US-led Coalition airstrikes, captured the downtown area of Baiji, including the local government building.<ref name="Iraqi forces recapture Baiji">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/07/middleeast/iraq-forces-baiji/|title=Officials: Iraqi forces in control of Baiji city|author=Hamdi Alkhshali, CNN|date=7 June 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="troopsadvance">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/06/07/world/middleeast/ap-ml-islamic-state.html|title=Iraq: Troops Advance Against IS in Key Refinery Town|date=7 June 2015|work=AP|accessdate=27 May 2016|via=The New York Times}}</ref> Small pockets of ISIL fighters were still present in the city,<ref name="Iraqi forces recapture Baiji" /> while clashes in the refinery were still continuing.<ref name="Iraqi forces advance">{{cite web|url=http://m.voanews.com/a/iraq-troops-advance-against-is-in-key-refinery-townb/2810889.html|title=Iraqi Forces Advance in Baiji|work=VOA|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref>


By 9 June, half of the city was under Iraqi government control.<ref name="half">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/09/middleeast/iraq-forces-baiji/index.html|title=U.S.: Only half of Baiji in Iraqi hands|author=Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon Correspondent|date=9 June 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref>
On 7 June, Iraqi Security Forces and the [[al-Hashd al-Shaabi]] militia entered the city of Baiji with help from coalition airstrikes, capturing the downtown area of the city.<ref name="Iraqi forces recapture Baiji">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/06/07/middleeast/iraq-forces-baiji/|title=Officials: Iraqi forces in control of Baiji city|author=Hamdi Alkhshali, CNN|date=7 June 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="troopsadvance">{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/06/07/world/middleeast/ap-ml-islamic-state.html|title=Iraq: Troops Advance Against IS in Key Refinery Town|date=7 June 2015|work=AP|accessdate=27 May 2016|via=The New York Times}}</ref> Small pockets of ISIL fighters were still present in the city,<ref name="Iraqi forces recapture Baiji" /> while clashes in the refinery were still continuing.<ref name="Iraqi forces advance">{{cite web|url=http://m.voanews.com/a/iraq-troops-advance-against-is-in-key-refinery-townb/2810889.html|title=Iraqi Forces Advance in Baiji|work=VOA|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> Two days later, they had captured half of the city.<ref name="half">{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/09/middleeast/iraq-forces-baiji/index.html|title=U.S.: Only half of Baiji in Iraqi hands|author=Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon Correspondent|date=9 June 2015|work=CNN|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref>


On 10 June, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building, and an ISIL VBIED.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />
On 10 June, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building, and an ISIL VBIED.<ref name="OIR airstrike updates" />


On 24 June 2015, it was reported that the city of Baiji had been fully recaptured by Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite militia fighters. However, the Baiji Oil Refinery remained contested.<ref name="Baiji captured">{{cite web|url=http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/781430 |title=Tasnim News Agency - Iraqi Forces Cleanse Baiji of ISIL Terrorists |publisher= |accessdate=30 July 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626152233/http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/781430 |archivedate=June 26, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Baiji under Iraqi control">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/240620152|title=Central gov’t claims to retake Baiji from ISIS|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref>
By June 24, the entire city was recaptured. However, the Baiji Oil Refinery remained contested.<ref name="Baiji captured">{{cite web|url=http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/781430 |title=Tasnim News Agency - Iraqi Forces Cleanse Baiji of ISIL Terrorists |publisher= |accessdate=30 July 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626152233/http://www.tasnimnews.com/english/Home/Single/781430 |archivedate=June 26, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="Baiji under Iraqi control">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/240620152|title=Central gov’t claims to retake Baiji from ISIS|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref>


On 29 June 2015, Iraqi forces, supported by Shi'ite militias, reportedly recaptured the Baiji Oil Refinery from ISIL.<ref name="Baiji Oil Refinery secured">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/iraqi-government-forces-take-control-baiji-oil-refinery-1988773|title=Iraqi Government Forces Take Control Of Baiji Oil Refinery|author=Sounak Mukhopadhyay|date=29 June 2015|work=International Business Times|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="key area captured">{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/06/30/418179/Iraq-Anbar-ISIL-Jebbeh-Hit-Baiji|title=PressTV-Iraqi forces liberate key area in Anbar|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Iraqi forces were also clearing the city of Baiji of IEDs and other explosives left behind by ISIL. On 30 June, it was revealed that a small number of ISIL sleepers were still hiding inside Baiji city and its refinery, ambushing Iraqi fighters and hampering the cleanup process with guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings.<ref name="bodies video">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/NewsDetails.aspx?pageid=140308|title=Video footage shows scores of ISIS bodies in Baiji|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> ISIL also continued to conduct larger attacks, forcing an Iraqi military and militias retreat from three neighborhoods on 5 July.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com"/>
On 29 June 2015, Iraqi forces, supported by Shi'ite militias, reportedly recaptured the oil refinery.<ref name="Baiji Oil Refinery secured">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/iraqi-government-forces-take-control-baiji-oil-refinery-1988773|title=Iraqi Government Forces Take Control Of Baiji Oil Refinery|author=Sounak Mukhopadhyay|date=29 June 2015|work=International Business Times|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref name="key area captured">{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/06/30/418179/Iraq-Anbar-ISIL-Jebbeh-Hit-Baiji|title=PressTV-Iraqi forces liberate key area in Anbar|publisher=|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Iraqi forces were clearing the city of IEDs and other explosives left behind by ISIL.


=== Islamic State guerrilla activity continues ===
On 6 July 2015, ISIL was in control of several parts of Baiji city, with clashes erupting inside of Baiji city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.videonews.us/daesh-siezes-parts-of-iraqs-baiji-army-source-0627412.html|title=Daesh siezes parts of Iraq’s Baiji: Army source|author=Erol Ersoy|work=Breaking News Updates|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/060720152|title=Clashes resume in Baiji after 'great victory'|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref>


However, a small number of ISIL sleepers were still hiding inside the city and the refinery, ambushing Iraqi fighters and hampering the cleanup process with guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings.<ref name="bodies video">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/NewsDetails.aspx?pageid=140308|title=Video footage shows scores of ISIS bodies in Baiji|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> ISIL also continued to conduct larger attacks, forcing an Iraqi military and militias retreat from three neighborhoods on 5 July.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com"/>
By 6 July, Shi'ite militias were reported to have engaged in clashes with ISIL.{{CN|date=December 2016}}


On 7 July 2015, clashes between the Iraqi Security Force and ISIL continued inside of Baiji city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/07/07/419242/Iraq-ISIS-Terrorism- |title=PressTV - Baiji mop-up operation goes on |publisher= |accessdate=30 July 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711185844/http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/07/07/419242/Iraq-ISIS-Terrorism- |archivedate=July 11, 2015 }}</ref>
On July 6, ISIL was in control of several parts of Baiji city, with clashes erupting inside of Baiji city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.videonews.us/daesh-siezes-parts-of-iraqs-baiji-army-source-0627412.html|title=Daesh siezes parts of Iraq’s Baiji: Army source|author=Erol Ersoy|work=Breaking News Updates|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/060720152|title=Clashes resume in Baiji after 'great victory'|work=Rudaw|accessdate=30 July 2015}}</ref> Clashes continued the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/07/07/419242/Iraq-ISIS-Terrorism- |title=PressTV - Baiji mop-up operation goes on |publisher= |accessdate=30 July 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711185844/http://www.presstv.ir/Video/2015/07/07/419242/Iraq-ISIS-Terrorism- |archivedate=July 11, 2015 }}</ref> On July 29, three ISIL suicide bombers attacked a suburb of the city to clear a way for other militants, killing 11 Iraqi fighters and wounding 21 others.<ref name="almost under control" /><ref name="suicide bombers">{{cite web|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2015/07/28/suicide-bombers-ignite-battles-in-ramadi-and-baiji-72-killed-across-iraq/|title=Suicide Bombers Ignite Battles in Ramadi and Baiji; 72 Killed across Iraq by -- Antiwar.com|publisher=|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>


=== Government secures most of the city ===
On 27 July, Iraqi forces killed Khalaf Eidan, the new ISIL emir for Baiji, before he arrived from Mosul.


On 29 July, three ISIL suicide bombers attacked a suburb of Baiji and tried to clear the way for other militants, killing 11 Iraqi fighters and wounding 21 others.<ref name="almost under control" /><ref name="suicide bombers">{{cite web|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2015/07/28/suicide-bombers-ignite-battles-in-ramadi-and-baiji-72-killed-across-iraq/|title=Suicide Bombers Ignite Battles in Ramadi and Baiji; 72 Killed across Iraq by -- Antiwar.com|publisher=|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>
However, by the end of the month, the city of Baiji was almost entirely under the control of the government. ISIL retained control only over the Muhandeseen neighborhood in the eastern part of the city.<ref name="almost under control">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/310720151|title=Baghdad: oil town Baiji in 'almost fully' under control|work=Rudaw|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>

On 31 July 2015, Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled Ubaidi stated that the city of Baiji was almost completely under the control of Iraqi government forces. He also stated that ISIL only retained control over the Muhandeseen neighborhood, in the eastern part of the city.<ref name="almost under control">{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/310720151|title=Baghdad: oil town Baiji in 'almost fully' under control|work=Rudaw|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>


== ISIS counteroffensive ==
== ISIS counteroffensive ==


On 2 September, ISIL fighters recaptured parts of the city, undoing much of the gains the Iraqi army had made in the preceding months.<ref name="yahoo.com">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/retakes-part-iraqi-town-baiji-pentagon-202925435.html|title=IS retakes part of Iraqi town of Baiji: Pentagon|date=2 September 2015|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> By late September, the battle was considered to be stalemated, with the Iraqi army's inability to recapture the city and its refinery considered to be a main stumbling block towards retaking Mosul. ISIL was bringing in fresh reinforcements to replace weary fighters and had control over as much as 50% of the city. Iraqi security forces and Shiite militias were primarily entrenched in the south of the city and were unable to cut supply lines to ISIL controlled areas.<ref name="yahoo.com"/> In late September 2015, Iraqi forces were able to cut the ISIL supply route to Baiji from the west, but it was reported that they were having trouble cutting the supply lines from the north. It was also reported that 500 more ISIL militants had been killed in Baiji between mid-July and early September 2015.<ref name="deadlock">{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0RO1YM20150924|title=Deadlock in battle for Iraq refinery casts doubts on Mosul campaign|author=Stephen Kalin and Phil Stewart|date=24 September 2015|work=Reuters|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref>
On 2 September, ISIL fighters recaptured parts of the city, undoing much of the gains the Iraqi army had made in the preceding months.<ref name="yahoo.com">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/retakes-part-iraqi-town-baiji-pentagon-202925435.html|title=IS retakes part of Iraqi town of Baiji: Pentagon|date=2 September 2015|work=Yahoo News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> By late September, the battle was stalemated, with the Iraqi army's inability to recapture the city and its refinery considered to be a main stumbling block towards retaking Mosul. ISIL was bringing in fresh reinforcements to replace weary fighters and had control over as much as 50% of the city. Iraqi security forces and Shiite militias were primarily entrenched in the south of the city and were unable to cut supply lines to ISIL controlled areas.<ref name="yahoo.com"/> In late September 2015, Iraqi forces were able to cut the ISIL supply route to Baiji from the west, but it was reported that they were having trouble cutting the supply lines from the north. It was also reported that 500 more ISIL militants had been killed in Baiji between mid-July and early September 2015.<ref name="deadlock">{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0RO1YM20150924|title=Deadlock in battle for Iraq refinery casts doubts on Mosul campaign|author=Stephen Kalin and Phil Stewart|date=24 September 2015|work=Reuters|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref>


== Final Iraqi offensive ==
== Final Iraqi offensive ==


On 14 October, the Iraqi Army, supported by volunteer Shiite militia fighters, as well as the U.S. and Iraqi Air Forces, launched a large-scale offensive to recapture Baiji and its ruined oil refinery.<ref name="Baiji offensive begins">{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Oct-14/318878-iraqi-army-militia-forces-launch-assault-to-retake-baiji-from-isis.ashx|title=Iraqi army, militia forces launch assault to retake Baiji from ISIS|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>
On 14 October, the Iraqi Army, supported by Shiite militias and the U.S. and Iraqi Air Forces, launched a large-scale offensive to recapture the city and its ruined oil refinery.<ref name="Baiji offensive begins">{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Oct-14/318878-iraqi-army-militia-forces-launch-assault-to-retake-baiji-from-isis.ashx|title=Iraqi army, militia forces launch assault to retake Baiji from ISIS|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="major push">{{cite web|url=https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/iraqi-forces-major-push-against-jihadists-113613606.html|title=Iraqi forces in major push against IS jihadists|date=15 October 2015|work=Yahoo Maktoob News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> Iranian Major General [[Qasem Soleimani]] masterminded this offensive. [[Hadi al-Amiri]], the leader of the [[Popular Mobilization Forces]], was also present in the region.<ref name="significant progress">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-army-makes-significant-progress-inside-baiji-al-baghdadi-and-al-ramadi/|title=Iraqi Army Makes Significant Progress Inside Baiji, Al-Baghdadi, and Al-Ramadi|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref>>

On 15 October, Iraqi Army forces captured the village of Makhoul, to the north of Baiji, marking the Iraqi Army's farthest advance north in almost a year.<ref name="significant progress">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-army-makes-significant-progress-inside-baiji-al-baghdadi-and-al-ramadi/|title=Iraqi Army Makes Significant Progress Inside Baiji, Al-Baghdadi, and Al-Ramadi|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="major push">{{cite web|url=https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/iraqi-forces-major-push-against-jihadists-113613606.html|title=Iraqi forces in major push against IS jihadists|date=15 October 2015|work=Yahoo Maktoob News|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> Iranian Major General [[Qasem Soleimani]] was said to have been the mastermind behind the latest offensive in Baiji. [[Hadi al-Amiri]], the leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, was also present in the region.<ref name="significant progress" />

On 16 October, Iraqi forces fully recaptured the Baiji Oil Refinery, as well as the neighboring town of Al Siniyah.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured">{{cite news|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/17/world/middleeast/iraqi-forces-and-shiite-militias-retake-oil-refinery-from-isis.html?referer=https://www.google.com/|title=Iraqi Forces and Shiite Militias Retake Oil Refinery From ISIS|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> It was reported that there were several thousand Iraqi soldiers and Shi'ite militiamen in the city to carry out the offensive.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" /> Iraqi forces also severed all of the ISIL supply lines leading into Baiji city, and recaptured multiple other districts in the area, including the town of Al-Siniyah, reducing ISIL's control of Baiji city to a pocket in the southern 40% of the city.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" /><ref name="Baiji battle map 10-16-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/oo4w22jp7k73fov|title=Baiji-Iraq: 16 October 2015|work=MediaFire|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> A spokesman for the US-led Coalition also stated that Coalition forces had carried out 43 airstrikes in the Baiji region in the past 30 days. Iraqi officials said that after the conclusion of the battle, they planned to retake the towns of [[Al-Shirqat]] and [[Hawija]], where they expected heavy clashes.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" />


On 17 October, Iraqi forces advanced northward from the Baiji Oil Refinery area to Mas'haq, recapturing the al-Hanshii and Baiji Thermal Power Station areas, reducing ISIL control of Baiji to a pocket in the southern part of the city, and another besieged pocket between the Baiji Fuel Depot and the Northern Company Fertilizer Plant.<ref name="Baiji and Hawija map 10-17-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/9cvh9zmjv4tbc5t|title=Simple File Sharing and Storage.|work=MediaFire|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> Later on the same day, Iraqi Government forces and Shi'ite militia forces pushed further north, besieging the town of Zawiyah, which was near the last ISIL supply route into the Kirkuk Province.<ref name="push north">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraq-forces-push-north-bid-reshape-battlefield-151011048.html|title=Iraq forces push north in a bid to reshape battlefield|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> At the same time, there were reports of residents fleeing ISIL-held villages to meet the Iraqi forces, or villagers turning on ISIL fighters within their own territory.<ref name="push north" />
On October 16, Iraqi forces fully recaptured the oil refinery as well as the neighboring town of Al Siniyah.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured">{{cite news|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/10/17/world/middleeast/iraqi-forces-and-shiite-militias-retake-oil-refinery-from-isis.html?referer=https://www.google.com/|title=Iraqi Forces and Shiite Militias Retake Oil Refinery From ISIS|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> It was reported that there were several thousand Iraqi soldiers and Shi'ite militiamen in the city to carry out the offensive.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" /> Iraqi forces also severed all of the ISIL supply lines leading into Baiji city, and recaptured multiple other districts in the area, including the town of Al-Siniyah, reducing ISIL's control of Baiji city to a pocket in the southern 40% of the city.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" /><ref name="Baiji battle map 10-16-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/oo4w22jp7k73fov|title=Baiji-Iraq: 16 October 2015|work=MediaFire|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> A spokesman for the US-led Coalition also stated that Coalition forces had carried out 43 airstrikes in the Baiji region in the past 30 days. Iraqi officials said that after the conclusion of the battle, they planned to retake the towns of [[Al-Shirqat]] and [[Hawija]], where they expected heavy clashes.<ref name="oil refinery recaptured" /> On 17 October, Iraqi forces advanced northward from the refinery to Mas'haq, recapturing the al-Hanshii and Baiji Thermal Power Station areas, reducing ISIL control of the area to a pocket in the southern part of the city and a besieged pocket between the Baiji Fuel Depot and the Northern Company Fertilizer Plant.<ref name="Baiji and Hawija map 10-17-2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.mediafire.com/view/9cvh9zmjv4tbc5t|title=Simple File Sharing and Storage.|work=MediaFire|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> Later on the same day, Iraqi Government forces and Shi'ite militia forces pushed further north, besieging the town of Zawiyah, which was near the last ISIL supply route into the Kirkuk Province.<ref name="push north">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraq-forces-push-north-bid-reshape-battlefield-151011048.html|title=Iraq forces push north in a bid to reshape battlefield|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> At the same time, there were reports of residents fleeing ISIL-held villages to meet the Iraqi forces, or villagers turning on ISIL fighters within their own territory.<ref name="push north" />


On 20 October, the Iraqi Security Forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces recaptured the entire city of Baiji, along with the surrounding region.<ref name="finally recaptured2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Oct-20/319550-iraq-says-forces-recapture-refinery-town-from-isis.ashx|title=Iraq says forces recapture refinery town from ISIS|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="finally recaptured1">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/news-alert-strategic-city-of-baiji-liberated-by-the-iraqi-security-forces|title=News Alert: Strategic City of Baiji Liberated by the Iraqi Security Forces|author=Leith Fadel|date=20 October 2015|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="ISIL graves in Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-forces-claim-found-365-bodies-baiji-graves-192845074.html|title=Iraqi forces claim found 365 IS bodies in Baiji graves|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> However, pockets of ISIL resistance continued to persist in some parts of Baiji city,<ref name="strike on oil field">{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/study-islamic-state-attacks-spiked-in-third-quarter/|title=US-led forces strike IS-controlled oil field in Syria|date=22 October 2015|work=The Seattle Times|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> until they were finally cleared by the Iraqi Army and Shi'ite forces on 22 October. On 21 October, Iraqi forces uncovered 19 mass graves in Baiji that contained the bodies of 365 ISIL militants.<ref name="ISIL graves in Baiji" /> On 22 October, chairman of the US Join Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford stated that Iraqi forces had successfully recaptured the oil refinery city of Baiji.<ref name="adaptable and flexible">[http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/221020153 US joint chiefs: ISIS is ‘adaptable and flexible’]</ref> US officials also praised the Iraqi soldiers and the Popular Mobilization Forces for successfully recapturing the city of Baiji.<ref name="US praise">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/10/us-praises-role-of-iranian-backed-shiite-militias-in-baiji-operation.php|title=US praises role of Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Baiji operation|work=The Long War Journal|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> Brett McGurk, the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, stated that the US had conducted 130 airstrikes in the Baiji region since August 2015, in support of the Iraqi Army and the Shi'ite militias.<ref name="US praise" /> On 7 November, it was revealed that 920+ more ISIL fighters had been killed during the fighting in Baiji, during the last 3 months of the battle.<ref name="920+ more killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-army-killed-over-900-isis-terrorists-during-the-liberation-of-baiji/|title=Iraqi Army Killed Over 900 ISIS Terrorists During the Liberation of Baiji|author=Leith Fadel|date=7 November 2015|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref>
On 20 October, the Iraqi Security Forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces recaptured the entire city of Baiji, along with the surrounding region.<ref name="finally recaptured2">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Oct-20/319550-iraq-says-forces-recapture-refinery-town-from-isis.ashx|title=Iraq says forces recapture refinery town from ISIS|work=The Daily Star Newspaper - Lebanon|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="finally recaptured1">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/news-alert-strategic-city-of-baiji-liberated-by-the-iraqi-security-forces|title=News Alert: Strategic City of Baiji Liberated by the Iraqi Security Forces|author=Leith Fadel|date=20 October 2015|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="ISIL graves in Baiji">{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/iraqi-forces-claim-found-365-bodies-baiji-graves-192845074.html|title=Iraqi forces claim found 365 IS bodies in Baiji graves|publisher=|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> However, pockets of ISIL resistance continued to persist in some parts of Baiji city,<ref name="strike on oil field">{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/study-islamic-state-attacks-spiked-in-third-quarter/|title=US-led forces strike IS-controlled oil field in Syria|date=22 October 2015|work=The Seattle Times|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> until they were finally cleared by the Iraqi Army and Shi'ite forces on 22 October. On 21 October, Iraqi forces uncovered 19 mass graves in Baiji that contained the bodies of 365 ISIL militants.<ref name="ISIL graves in Baiji" /> On 22 October, chairman of the US Join Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford stated that Iraqi forces had successfully recaptured the oil refinery city of Baiji.<ref name="adaptable and flexible">[http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/221020153 US joint chiefs: ISIS is ‘adaptable and flexible’]</ref> US officials also praised the Iraqi soldiers and the Popular Mobilization Forces for successfully recapturing the city of Baiji.<ref name="US praise">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/10/us-praises-role-of-iranian-backed-shiite-militias-in-baiji-operation.php|title=US praises role of Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Baiji operation|work=The Long War Journal|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref> Brett McGurk, the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, stated that the US had conducted 130 airstrikes in the Baiji region since August 2015, in support of the Iraqi Army and the Shi'ite militias.<ref name="US praise" /> On 7 November, it was revealed that 920+ more ISIL fighters had been killed during the fighting in Baiji, during the last 3 months of the battle.<ref name="920+ more killed">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/iraqi-army-killed-over-900-isis-terrorists-during-the-liberation-of-baiji/|title=Iraqi Army Killed Over 900 ISIS Terrorists During the Liberation of Baiji|author=Leith Fadel|date=7 November 2015|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=27 May 2016}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:58, 24 February 2017

This article is about the 2015 battle. For the October–December 2014 battle, see Battle of Baiji (2014).
Battle of Baiji (2015)
Part of Iraq War (2014–present),
the Military intervention against ISIL, and
the Salahuddin campaign (2014–15)

Baiji's oil facilities were one of the most intensely contested areas during the fighting against ISIL
Date23 December 2014 – 22 October 2015[4][5]
(9 months, 4 weeks and 1 day)
Location
Baiji, Saladin Governorate, Iraq
Result Anti-ISIL victory
Belligerents
Iraq
 Iran
Airstrikes:
 United States[1]
 United Kingdom[2]
 Canada[3]		 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
Commanders and leaders

Iraq Lt. Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi
Iraq Col. Saleh Jaber[6]
Iraq Maj. Gen. Ayub Khalif †


Iran Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani[7][8]
File:Badr Organisation Military flag.svg Hadi al-Amiri[8]
Qais Khazali
File:Kata'ib Hezbollah flag.svg Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis

Abu Suleiman al-Naser
(Replacement Military Chief)[9]
Islamic State Abu Nabil
(ISIL governor of the Saladin Governorate)
Islamic State Abu Ibrahim al-Shishani †
(ISIL commander of the Baiji Oil Refinery forces)


Islamic State Khalaf Eidan † (ISIL Emir of Baiji)
Units involved

Iraq:

Iran:

United States:

United Kingdom:

Canada:

Military of ISIL
Strength

15,000 fighters[12]

  • 5,000 Iraqi soldiers and policemen[12]
  • 10,000 Shi'ite militiamen[12]
 1,500+ fighters[13]
Casualties and losses
2500+ killed, hundreds + wounded[14] 900-1000+ killed[15][16]

The Battle of Baiji (2015) was a battle between the Islamic State and the Iraqi government for control of Baiji and the Baiji oil refinery lasting from spring to October 2015.[17] It was a continuation of Battle of Baiji (2014). The Islamic State launched an offensive on the besieged oil refinery in the spring, capturing it entirely. Over the summer, Iraqi forces recaptured most of the town and the refinery, but then an ISIS counterattack recaptured most of both locations. Finally, in autumn, Iraqi forces successfully and permanently captured both the refinery and the city.

Background

Main article: Battle of Baiji (2014)

Iraqi forces briefly captured Baiji on November 14 2014, but were not able to captured the entire city, with IS present in a few neighborhoods.[18] Fighting continued and on December 21 the Islamic State recaptured the entire city and reestablished the siege on the refinery.

Sporadic airstrikes and fighting

The anti-ISIS coalition launched airstrikes on the city when the opportunity presented itself. On 16 January 2015, A patrol of Tornado GR4's, operating near Baiji in support of Iraqi ground forces, attacked three ISIL positions with Paveway IV laser-guided bombs. A fourth position nearby was attacked shortly afterwards.[19] On February 4, 2015, a pair of Tornado GR4's conducted an armed reconnaissance patrol over Baiji in support of Iraqi ground forces. Two ISIL armoured vehicles were identified in a building and were attacked with two Paveway IV laser-guided bombs, scoring two direct hits.[20]

Spring ISIL offensive

In early March 2015, ISIL launched a fresh offensive on the refinery, after some Iraqi troops were redeployed to Tikrit to aid the Iraqi government in the Second Battle of Tikrit.[21] On 7 April 2015, Iranian news media reported that 60 ISIL militants were reportedly killed by Iraqi forces in the town of Malha, which is close to the oil refinery.[22] On 11 April 2015, ISIL launched another assault on the Baiji oil refinery, capturing much of it.[23]

Airstrikes intensify and ISIS progress is halted

On April 13, RAF Tornado GR4s provided close air support for Iraqi ground forces by patrolling ahead of the Iraqi troops and successfully attacking four buildings within an ISIL military compound with Paveway IVs.[24] On April 14, ISIL reinforcements arrived from Raqqa, Syria, after staying three days in Mosul. Beginning on 14 April, the US-led Coalition escalated its airstrikes in the region. From 14–15 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 9 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and six smaller tactical units, destroying two ISIL fighting positions and an ISIL heavy machine gun.[1] From 15–16 April, the US-led Coalition conducted eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck two large and four smaller tactical units, destroyed two ISIL structures, an ISIL mortar system, an ISIL fighting position, and an ISIL vehicle.[1] From 16–17 April, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck five ISIL tactical units, destroyed four ISIL vehicles, three ISIL fighting positions, and an ISIL heavy machine gun.[1]

Iraqi general Ayub Khalif was killed by ISIL on April 14 while defending the refinery along with 9 of his men. On April 17, ISIL withdrew from most parts of the oil refinery after suffering high casualties inflicted by well-entrenched Iraqi forces.[25]

Continued fighting

From 19–20 April, the US-led Coalition conducted another eight airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroyed two ISIL VBIEDs, an ISIL machine gun, an ISIL artillery piece, an ISIL ammo storage facility, and an ISIL vehicle.[1] However, ISIL was still inside the Baiji Oil Refinery on April 23, despite claims by the US and Iraqi governments that the refinery was fully secured.[26] On the same day, Iraqi federal policemen arrived in Baiji, to reinforce the Iraqi Army positions there. From 25–26 April, the US-led Coalition conducted 7 more airstrikes in and around Bayji, which struck six ISIL tactical units, destroyed three ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL warehouse, and an ISIL mortar system.[1]

On 27 April, ISIL militants launched another attack on the refinery, destroying three depots and several Iraqi forces.[27] On 28 April, ISIL forces claimed to be in middle of the Refinery.[28] By May 1, ISIL controlled 60%–80% of the oil refinery.[29] On 2 May, Iraqi forces killed Abu Ibrahim Chechen, the commander of the ISIL forces at the Baiji Oil Refinery.

From 2–4 May, the US-led Coalition conducted 13 airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck one large and eight small ISIL tactical units, destroying eight ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL buildings, and ISIL command and control facility, two ISIL mortar tubes, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.[1] Airstrikes continued on May 6–7, with the US-led coalition conducting 6 airstrikes in and around Baiji that struck a large ISIL tactical unit, two ISIL fighting positions, four ISIL shelters, an ISIL VBIED, and an ISIL vehicle.[1]

Iraqi forces briefly broke the siege on May 10,[30] but ISIL quickly re-entered the refinery and severed all of the supply lines leading to it.[31]

ISIL captures refinery

On 15 May, ISIL fighters set fire to fuel storage containers to obstruct advances by pro-Iraqi government forces. ISIL forces were embedded deep within the facility and the Iraqi security forces were reduced to supplying the defenders by air.[32] An RAF Tornado GR4 used a Paveway precision guided bomb to demolish an ISIL-held building near Baiji.[33]

On 22 May, ISIL finally captured the refinery in its entirety. Because of this failure, the US decided to allow Shi'ite militias under the control of the Iraqi Government to join the battle.[34] However, later on the same day, Iraqi reinforcements managed to re-enter the city, and recaptured part of it from ISIL forces. Iraqi forces also managed to recapture the road leading from Baiji to the Baiji Oil Refinery. Additionally, it was reported that parts of the Baiji Oil Refinery were set on fire during the battle.[31]

Iraqi summer offensive

Capture of the city

On 7 June, Iraqi Security Forces and the al-Hashd al-Shaabi militia entered the city of Baiji with help from coalition airstrikes, capturing the downtown area of the city.[35][36] Small pockets of ISIL fighters were still present in the city,[35] while clashes in the refinery were still continuing.[5] Two days later, they had captured half of the city.[37]

On 10 June, the US-led Coalition conducted five airstrikes in and around Baiji, which struck four ISIL tactical units, destroying three ISIL vehicles, an ISIL building, and an ISIL VBIED.[1]

By June 24, the entire city was recaptured. However, the Baiji Oil Refinery remained contested.[38][39]

On 29 June 2015, Iraqi forces, supported by Shi'ite militias, reportedly recaptured the oil refinery.[40][41] Iraqi forces were clearing the city of IEDs and other explosives left behind by ISIL.

Islamic State guerrilla activity continues

However, a small number of ISIL sleepers were still hiding inside the city and the refinery, ambushing Iraqi fighters and hampering the cleanup process with guerrilla attacks and suicide bombings.[42] ISIL also continued to conduct larger attacks, forcing an Iraqi military and militias retreat from three neighborhoods on 5 July.[4]

On July 6, ISIL was in control of several parts of Baiji city, with clashes erupting inside of Baiji city.[43][44] Clashes continued the next day.[45] On July 29, three ISIL suicide bombers attacked a suburb of the city to clear a way for other militants, killing 11 Iraqi fighters and wounding 21 others.[15][46]

Government secures most of the city

However, by the end of the month, the city of Baiji was almost entirely under the control of the government. ISIL retained control only over the Muhandeseen neighborhood in the eastern part of the city.[15]

ISIS counteroffensive

On 2 September, ISIL fighters recaptured parts of the city, undoing much of the gains the Iraqi army had made in the preceding months.[47] By late September, the battle was stalemated, with the Iraqi army's inability to recapture the city and its refinery considered to be a main stumbling block towards retaking Mosul. ISIL was bringing in fresh reinforcements to replace weary fighters and had control over as much as 50% of the city. Iraqi security forces and Shiite militias were primarily entrenched in the south of the city and were unable to cut supply lines to ISIL controlled areas.[47] In late September 2015, Iraqi forces were able to cut the ISIL supply route to Baiji from the west, but it was reported that they were having trouble cutting the supply lines from the north. It was also reported that 500 more ISIL militants had been killed in Baiji between mid-July and early September 2015.[13]

Final Iraqi offensive

On 14 October, the Iraqi Army, supported by Shiite militias and the U.S. and Iraqi Air Forces, launched a large-scale offensive to recapture the city and its ruined oil refinery.[48][49] Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani masterminded this offensive. Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Popular Mobilization Forces, was also present in the region.[8]>

On October 16, Iraqi forces fully recaptured the oil refinery as well as the neighboring town of Al Siniyah.[50] It was reported that there were several thousand Iraqi soldiers and Shi'ite militiamen in the city to carry out the offensive.[50] Iraqi forces also severed all of the ISIL supply lines leading into Baiji city, and recaptured multiple other districts in the area, including the town of Al-Siniyah, reducing ISIL's control of Baiji city to a pocket in the southern 40% of the city.[50][51] A spokesman for the US-led Coalition also stated that Coalition forces had carried out 43 airstrikes in the Baiji region in the past 30 days. Iraqi officials said that after the conclusion of the battle, they planned to retake the towns of Al-Shirqat and Hawija, where they expected heavy clashes.[50] On 17 October, Iraqi forces advanced northward from the refinery to Mas'haq, recapturing the al-Hanshii and Baiji Thermal Power Station areas, reducing ISIL control of the area to a pocket in the southern part of the city and a besieged pocket between the Baiji Fuel Depot and the Northern Company Fertilizer Plant.[52] Later on the same day, Iraqi Government forces and Shi'ite militia forces pushed further north, besieging the town of Zawiyah, which was near the last ISIL supply route into the Kirkuk Province.[53] At the same time, there were reports of residents fleeing ISIL-held villages to meet the Iraqi forces, or villagers turning on ISIL fighters within their own territory.[53]

On 20 October, the Iraqi Security Forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces recaptured the entire city of Baiji, along with the surrounding region.[12][54][55] However, pockets of ISIL resistance continued to persist in some parts of Baiji city,[56] until they were finally cleared by the Iraqi Army and Shi'ite forces on 22 October. On 21 October, Iraqi forces uncovered 19 mass graves in Baiji that contained the bodies of 365 ISIL militants.[55] On 22 October, chairman of the US Join Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford stated that Iraqi forces had successfully recaptured the oil refinery city of Baiji.[57] US officials also praised the Iraqi soldiers and the Popular Mobilization Forces for successfully recapturing the city of Baiji.[58] Brett McGurk, the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, stated that the US had conducted 130 airstrikes in the Baiji region since August 2015, in support of the Iraqi Army and the Shi'ite militias.[58] On 7 November, it was revealed that 920+ more ISIL fighters had been killed during the fighting in Baiji, during the last 3 months of the battle.[16]

Aftermath

On 23 October, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited the city of Baiji, declaring that Baiji was finally free from ISIL militants, and that the anti-ISIL forces had won a "valuable victory."[59] Al-Abadi also stated that the battle proved the capabilities of the Iraqi forces, and a Shi'ite commander stated that his forces were removing the IEDs and landmines left behind by ISIL in the city.[59] Additionally, on October 23, it was also reported that members of the Popular Mobilization Forces were bombing houses and government buildings of former Iraqi generals who had fought in the Iran–Iraq War.[60]

Clashes in 2016

On 4 May, anti-terrorism forces backed by the Iraqi Air Force foiled ISIS attempt to penetrate the thermal energy area north of Baiji, killing 60 terrorists, mostly Arab nationalities.

See also

References

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  32. ^ Hugh Naylor (15 May 2015). "The Islamic State threatens to capture massive Iraqi oil refinery". Washington Post. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
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  38. ^ "Tasnim News Agency - Iraqi Forces Cleanse Baiji of ISIL Terrorists". Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ "Central gov't claims to retake Baiji from ISIS". Rudaw. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
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  59. ^ a b Iraqi premier claims victory over ISIS in Baiji
  60. ^ Reports: Militias in Baiji retaliate against officers from Iraqi-Iran war

34°56′00″N 43°29′00″E / 34.9333°N 43.4833°E / 34.9333; 43.4833

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