ISIS strikes Iraqi forces as battle for Baiji rages

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A suicide attack by ISIS jihadists in the disputed Iraqi town of Baiji has killed at least 16 members of Iraqi security forces, local agencies reported Friday.

Earlier on Friday, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced that a tense battle was ongoing between national security forces and extremists trying to capture  parts of Baiji, including its refinery complex which is the biggest oil facility in Iraq.

A police officer in Salahaddin province, where Baiji is located, said Iraqi fighters protecting the refinery were under intense attacks by the jihadists. According to the officer, ISIS fighters have been able to surround Iraqi forces inside the refinery and cut off military support. 

The Iraq Oil Report, an independent news outlet, reported Friday that after a series of assaults the jihadists now control most of Baiji refinery.