Militants Seize Towns as Al-Maliki Fails to Stop Advance
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Islamist fighters extended their advance in Iraq, entering two northeastern towns as government forces failed to halt an offensive that triggered concern over a civil war and prompted the U.S. not to rule out airstrikes.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s security forces left Jalulah and Saaiydiyah after militants called on them to give up their weapons and leave their posts, Al Jazeera reported, citing residents in the towns. The Interior Ministry started to prepare a new plan to defend Baghdad against an attack by members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, Al Arabiya reported, citing a ministry spokesman.