BAGHDAD ( Iraqi Army Says It Has Full Control of Key Refinery )

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi army said on Thursday it had taken full control of the Baiji refinery, Iraq’s largest petroleum refining complex, and released videos of the facility’s interior.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta showed images from the refinery during a press conference carried by the official Al Iraqiya television network.

The Baiji refinery, located north of Baghdad in Saladin province, is being protected by a special anti-terrorist unit, army troops, police and armed volunteers, Atta said.

Army troops killed three Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leaders near the refinery and destroyed 50 vehicles and five tanks belonging to the insurgents, Atta said.

An activist, however, said the refinery may not be completely under army control.

Nuaman Yasem, an activist who lives in Baiji, told Efe by telephone that the complex was large and different sections were under government and rebel control.

Government forces and ISIS members have been fighting for control of the refinery since mid-June, with both the army and the Sunni insurgents claiming in recent days that the complex was under their control.

The images broadcast by government forces are of the section of the refinery under their control, Yasem said.