Reuters
The Islamic State captured the Mosul Dam, giving it the power to cause devastating flooding throughout Iraq’s major city, reports Reuters. Although some have disputed the account, Iraqi state television said “The terrorist gangs of the Islamic State have taken control of Mosul Dam after the withdrawal of Kurdish forces without a fight.” The capture also gives the Sunni militant group the capacity to deprive farmers of water. Sunday marked the Islamic State’s first major defeat of Kurdish troops, as it captured three towns from them in the northern part of the country. Defense expert Janine Davidson of the Council of Foreign Relations said the group now “controls a volume of resources and territory unmatched in the history of extremist organizations.”