ISIS just took control of Iraq's largest hydroelectric dam

ISIS just took control of Iraq's largest hydroelectric dam
(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Sunni militants on Sunday captured the largest hydroelectric dam in Iraq as they continued to seize more ground across the country, according to state-run media and multiple reports. After a day-long battle, ISIS fighters also claimed an oil field and three northern towns in the region after sweeping aside Kurdish defense forces.

ISIS militants destroyed a Shiite shrine, forced an estimated 200,000 to flee, and executed those who stood in their way as they overran the area, according to The New York Times. Yet the capture of the dam, which provides power to Mosul, was the group's most alarming victory as it will allow ISIS to cut off water to or flood the region.

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Jon Terbush

Jon Terbush is an associate editor at TheWeek.com covering politics, sports, and other things he finds interesting. He has previously written for Talking Points Memo, Raw Story, and Business Insider.