Iraqi Security Forces and Federal Police, enabled by the Coalition, have successfully cleared and established a ground route into the Bayji Oil Refinery. Reinforcement and resupply of the ISF within the Refinery is on-going. Ground forces, supported by Coalition airstrikes, reconnaissance, and advised and assist elements, maneuvered to clear through the area, establishing route security and reclaiming key terrain.

“In the past 72 hours, we have seen the ISF make steady, measured progress in regaining some of the areas leading to the Bayji Oil Refinery despite the significant Daesh resistance in the form of IEDs, suicide vehicle borne IEDs, as well as heavy weapon and rocket fire attacks,” said Brig. Gen Thomas Weidley, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve chief of staff. “In spite of the isolated nature of where the ISF have been operating and the constant threat from Daesh, creating a safe route to the refinery will allow supplies and reinforcements to arrive. This will assist Security Forces in clearing and securing contested areas in and around the refinery.”

The Bayji Oil Refinery has been an ongoing target for ISIL terrorists, and the area around the Refinery has been contested for several months. Since the liberation of Tikrit, ISIL has increased its attempts to force the withdrawal of the ISF at the refinery and surrounding areas.