逊尼派伊斯兰激进分子袭击伊拉克的主要炼油厂，对该设施造成破坏。这是激进分子暴乱的最新行动。激进分子占领了伊拉克北部的很多地区。
激进分子星期三与安全部队在拜吉炼油厂发生冲突。拜吉位于巴格达和摩苏尔之间。激进分子上星期占领了摩苏尔。
伊朗总统鲁哈尼星期三誓言，将采取一切必要手段保护伊拉克的什叶派圣地免遭“恐怖分子”占领。什叶派在伊朗人口中占多数。
美国总统奥巴马星期三将会见国会领导人，讨论伊拉克局势以及可能对逊尼派伊斯兰激进分子暴乱做出的反应。
在白宫即将举行此次会议之际，奥巴马正在考虑一系列选择方案，包括援助伊拉克安全部队以及发动空袭，同时强调保持政治团结的必要性。
Sunni Islamist militants have attacked Iraq's main oil refinery, causing damage to the site in the latest stage of a surge that has included seizing territory across northern Iraq.
The militants clashed with security forces at the refinery Wednesday in Baiji, which is located about halfway between Baghdad and Mosul. Militants took control of Mosul last week.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged Wednesday that his majority Shi'ite country would do whatever is necessary to protect Shi'ite holy sites in Iraq from what he called "terrorists."
Also Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama is due to host congressional leaders to discuss the situation in Iraq and possible responses to the militant advances.
The White House meeting comes as Mr. Obama considers a range of possibilities including assistance to Iraqi security forces and carrying out airstrikes, while stressing the need for political unity.
Sunni Islamist militants have attacked Iraq's main oil refinery, causing damage to the site in the latest stage of a surge that has included seizing territory across northern Iraq.
The militants clashed with security forces at the refinery Wednesday in Baiji, which is located about halfway between Baghdad and Mosul. Militants took control of Mosul last week.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged Wednesday that his majority Shi'ite country would do whatever is necessary to protect Shi'ite holy sites in Iraq from what he called "terrorists."
Also Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama is due to host congressional leaders to discuss the situation in Iraq and possible responses to the militant advances.
The White House meeting comes as Mr. Obama considers a range of possibilities including assistance to Iraqi security forces and carrying out airstrikes, while stressing the need for political unity.
