President Obama: Air Strikes On Iraq Dam ‘to protect US Interests’ 

President Obama says air strikes in support of Iraqi forces' efforts to retake the country's largest dam are aimed at protecting US interests there. 

In a letter to congress, President Obama warned that collapse of the Mosul dam may put US staff and facilities, including the US embassy in Baghdad, at risk.  

It comes after the US sent bombers for the first time to help Kurdish forces expel Islamic State militants.  

Kurdish officials now say they have near complete control of the dam.  

If the recapture is confirmed, it will be the biggest reverse for the militants since they launched their offensive in Iraq in June.  

The strategically important facility, seized by Isis on August 7, supplies water and electricity to northern Iraq.

Source: BBC