Islamic Militants Seize More Territory in Northern Iraq

Islamic extremists seized more territory in northern Iraq on Thursday, forcing thousands of residents to flee. Witnesses said the militants took over at least three towns overnight, including the city of Tal Kayf, which has a large Christian population. The Sunni Islamist group, which calls itself the Islamic State, seized huge swaths of northern and western Iraq in June, declaring itself to be a "caliphate" and killing or forcing out minority groups. Over the past week, the militants dealt a humiliating defeat to Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, capturing strategic territory, including two oil fields, near the Turkish and Syrian borders. On Sunday, the group issued an ultimatum to tens of thousands of people from the Yazidi community, which follows an ancient religion with links to Zoroastrianism. Many of the Yazidis fled to the Sinjar Mountains, where they have had no access to food or water. The United Nations Security Council this week warned the Islamic militants they could be held accountable for crimes against humanity for the persecution of minorities. In a statement, the Security Council said the group poses a threat, not only to Iraq and Syria but also to regional peace, security, and stability. Iraqi leaders have struggled to overcome political divisions and form an inclusive government that can deal with the group.



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