Islamist militants and government security forces are engaged in fierce clashes to occupy Baiji oil refinery and Tal Afar airport in northern Iraq. Baiji, the biggest refinery in the country, is surrounded by rebels and security forces are attempting to break in and reclaim the region.

The political situation in the country continued to deteriorate even after the US sent a group of 300 military advisers to fight militants. Both the UK and the US repeated earlier statements that they would not sent troops to Iraq.

US Secretary John Kerry will travel to the country to hold talks for an inclusive cabinet, which is considered as the only solution to ease the tensions. The Shia religious leader of Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called for the establishment of a new government given that elections have been ratified.

Iraq Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is facing a wind of criticism at present for pursuing anti-Sunni policies and thereby letting Sunni militants join hands with the Levant (Isis) and the jihadist Islamic State of Iraq. More residents fled their homes due to fear of further violence in Mosul. UN reports claim that over 1 million people were internally displaced owing to political unrest.