President Obama sent to congressional leaders on Sunday a notification under the War Powers Resolution that his original operation to protect Irbil and provide aid to refugees on Mount Sinjar had been extended to fighting around a key dam along the Tigris taken by ISIS.
Iraqi and Kurdish forces said today that the Mosul Dam is now back in their hands. The Islamic State said it still had control of the key water and power facility.
“On August 14, 2014, I authorized the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct targeted air strikes to support operations by Iraqi forces to recapture the Mosul Dam. These military operations will be limited in their scope and duration as necessary to support the Iraqi forces in their efforts to retake and establish control of this critical infrastructure site, as part of their ongoing campaign against the terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL),” Obama said in the letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate President Pro Tempore Pat Leahy (D-Vt.).
“The failure of the Mosul Dam could threaten the lives of large numbers of civilians, endanger U.S. personnel and facilities, including the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and prevent the Iraqi government from providing critical services to the Iraqi populace. Pursuant to this authorization, on the evening of August 15, 2014, U.S. military forces commenced targeted airstrike operations in Iraq,” Obama continued.
“I have directed these actions, which are in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. These actions are being undertaken in coordination with the Iraqi government.”
National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said reiterated that the strikes were “limited in their nature, duration, and scope and are being undertaken in coordination with and at the request of the Government of Iraq.”
“The Administration will continue to consult with the Congress on the way forward in Iraq and our efforts against ISIL, and we will continue to provide appropriate reports to the Congress consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” Hayden added.
Tweets indicated that the battle was still continuing Monday morning.
IS pushed back from positions on road to Mosul Dam last night. Wrecked vehicles and airstruck houses line road. pic.twitter.com/KMsgTHoEL9
— aris roussinos (@arisroussinos) August 18, 2014
#ISIS deny Mosul Dam fallen to Kurds. @ABC team near dam told Peshmerga do not have full control of dam. Can hear airstrikes. #Iraq
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) August 18, 2014
Golden Division of ISF special forces, at the Mosul Dam today pic.twitter.com/MtBYwVoYxT
— Sajad Jiyad سجاد (@SajadJiyad) August 18, 2014
Filming at Peshmerga position near Mosul Dam just before leaving in a hurry due to incoming IS fire #Iraq pic.twitter.com/GpbpQ1wH3f
— Kate Benyon-Tinker (@katebt3000) August 18, 2014
IS posns burning near Mosul Dam. Constant Pesh mortar fire, just 1 IS mortar in response. 2 jets circling overhead. pic.twitter.com/HItocuVY2c
— aris roussinos (@arisroussinos) August 18, 2014
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