Iraq Situation Report: July 3, 2014
Jul 3, 2014 - Anonymous (not verified)![](https://understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/2014-07-03%20Situation%20Report%20CS3_1.png?itok=PwZfo_0y)
Repercussions from the clashes between the ISF and the followers of Mahmoud al-Sarkhi continue to unfold.
Repercussions from the clashes between the ISF and the followers of Mahmoud al-Sarkhi continue to unfold.
ISIS has seized the border town of Abu Kamal, following clashes with JN and other rebel groups. Iraqi Sunni tribes are likely in control of the Waleed border crossing since at least June 25.
ISIS targeted the Samarra Askari Shrine in an effort to divert ISF resources from Tikrit or Baghdad. The mobilization of the Sadrist Brigades to Samarra and the increase in murders in Baghdad are indications of escalated Shi’a militia activity. Tribes in Haditha may be negotiating the peaceful occupation of the city by ISIS and other armed groups. Upon establishing control of Haditha, ISIS will likely attempt to seize control of Ramadi and declare total control over Anbar province.
Yusfiyah in the southern Baghdad belt and Mashahda in the northern Baghdad belt have witnessed clashes in the last two days. They both represent possible ISIS infiltration points into Baghdad.
ISIS may be launching a renewed military offensive to take control of all urban centers in Anbar Province, beginning with Haditha and moving toward Ramadi. The Haditha Dam is a critical element of Iraq’s infrastructure, which ISIS and other anti-government groups may use to obstruct ISF mobility in Anbar, much like the Fallujah Dam in April 2014.
ISIS has declared a Caliphate, indicating that all Muslims should now submit to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Caliph. Meanwhile, the ISF counter-offensive against ISIS in Tikrit continues, despite conflicting reports that either the ISF or ISIS now control the city.
The ISF have launched two separate oensives against ISIS in Tikrit and Mosul.
The ISF launched an operation to retake Tikrit. More details included in the June 28 Iraq Situation Report.