Iraq: How Important is the Battle for Iraq's Baiji Oil Refinery?

May 12, 2015 | Jill S Russell, BBC
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The struggle between Iraqi government forces and Shia militia against Islamic State (IS) for control of the country's largest oil refinery, Baiji, is at yet another critical moment. Although it has changed hands several times in recent months, the current offensive by IS threatens once again to displace Iraqi troops and their allies. The importance of retaking the nearby IS-held town of Baiji and relieving the refinery was stressed last month by the United States' most senior military officer, Gen Martin Dempsey, who said doing so would deprive IS of a major source of revenue.