Iraq forces mass in bid to break jihadist siege of Turkmen town

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https://s1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Co0Cy2PY4gIhqY2eeI1xzw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTg2O3E9NzU7dz0xMzA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en-AE_XE/News/AFPIntEn/5055bd67cb6d6a2b8fcf170fd8f7ba115d36c4a1.jpg (https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/iraq-strikes-jihadists-fears-grow-besieged-town-090123807.html)Iraq was massing forces Wednesday for an operation to break a two-month jihadist siege of the Shiite Turkmen town of Amerli, amid growing fears for residents short of food and water. The imminent counter-offensive comes amid reports that US President Barack Obama is weighing a decision to authorise air strikes and aid drops in the area to assist around 12,000 residents trapped in the **rthern town. According to a civilian volunteer commander, thousands of Shiite militiamen from groups including Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr Organisation are gathering in the Tuz Khurmatu area of Salaheddin province, just **rth of Amerli, in preparation for a battle to break the siege. Iraqi aircraft have being targeting positions of Islamic State (IS) jihadists around Amerli, and carried out nine strikes on Tuesday, an ******r said.




أكثر... (https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/iraq-strikes-jihadists-fears-grow-besieged-town-090123807.html)