Islamic State Reportedly On Baghdad's Outskirts After Week Of Victories -- Sydney Morning Herald

Irbil, Iraq: Islamic State militants have taken control of key cities in Iraq's western province of Anbar and have begun to besiege one of the country's largest military bases in a weeklong offensive that's brought them within artillery range of Baghdad.

IS, also known as ISIS, and its tribal allies have dominated Anbar since a surprise offensive last December, but this week's push was particularly worrisome, because for the first time this year Islamist insurgents were reported to have become a major presence in Abu Ghraib, the last Anbar town on the outskirts of the capital.

"Daash is openly operating inside Abu Ghraib," according to an Iraqi soldier, who used the common Arabic term for IS . "I was at the 10th Division base there two days ago, and the soldiers cannot leave or patrol," he said, asking that he be identified only as Hossam"Daash controls the streets."

Read more ....

Previous Post: Is Baghdad About To Fall? Fierce Fighting Reported Near Iraqi Capital. ISIS Militants Less Than 2 Miles From Baghdad

More News On Reports That The Islamic State is On The Outskirts Of Baghdad

Islamic State reportedly on outskirts of Baghdad -- News Tribune/McClatchy news
ISIS Within a Mile From Baghdad -- Arutz Sheva
Air strikes 'failing' as Isil only an hour away from Baghdad -- Independent.ie
Islamist insurgents seize western Iraqi town of Hit - security sources -- Reuters
ISIL moving in on Baghdad, airport despite U.S. air strikes -- World Tribune
Baghdad priest: Iraqis in city fear possible ISIS attack -- FOX News
Is Baghdad at risk of falling to ISIS? -- FOX News

My Comment: For the past week reports have been coming in that Islamic State forces were preparing to enter Baghdad. It now appears that they are on the verge of doing just that.