Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)

{{See also|Anbar campaign (2013–14)}}

Beginning in December 2013, clashes involving tribal militias, Iraqi security forces, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) had been occurring throughout western Iraq. In early January 2014, ISIL militia successfully took control of Fallujah and Ramadi,{{cite news|title=Iraq's Fallujah falls to 'Qaeda-linked' militants|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-04/243100-fallujah-outside-iraq-government-control-security-official.ashx|access-date=10 June 2014|work=Daily Star|date=4 January 2014|archive-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212909/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jan-04/243100-fallujah-outside-iraq-government-control-security-official.ashx|url-status=dead}} bringing much of Al Anbar Governorate under their control. Afterwards, the Iraqi Army began conducting an offensive against the Anbar region, the stronghold of ISIL, with the stated goal of bringing the region under government control. Prior to conducting this counter offensive, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki gave a controversial speech in which he charactized the military campaign as a continuation of the ancient sectarian war between "the followers of Hussein and the followers of Yazid", a reference to a 7th-century defining battle for Shi'ites, thereby alienating the Sunnis of Anbar who had prior collaborated with the Iraqi government.{{cite web |last=Hassan |first=Hassan |url=http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2014/06/17/more-than-isis-iraq-s-sunni-insurgency/hdvi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619164948/http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2014/06/17/more-than-isis-iraq-s-sunni-insurgency/hdvi |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 June 2014 |title=More Than ISIL, Iraq's Sunni Insurgency |website=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |access-date=20 June 2014 |date=17 June 2014}}

The advances ISIL made in neighboring Syria—a source of their weapons{{cite news|title=Une province irakienne entière aux mains des jihadistes|url=http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2014/06/10/la-deuxieme-plus-grande-ville-d-irak-aux-mains-des-insurges_1037307|access-date=10 June 2014|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=Liberation|date=10 June 2014|ref=lib|archive-date=13 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613094357/http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2014/06/10/la-deuxieme-plus-grande-ville-d-irak-aux-mains-des-insurges_1037307|url-status=dead}}—substantially strengthened their position. In early June, insurgents began to advance up over to central and northern part of Iraqi land following the Iraqi Army's capture in{{Clarify|date=June 2014}} the Anbar industrial zone. At that point, they were still in control of most of Fallujah and Garmah, as well as parts of Haditha, Jurf Al Sakhar, Anah, Abu Ghraib and several smaller settlements in Al Anbar Governorate.{{cite news|title=Iraq Update #42: Al-Qaeda in Iraq Patrols Fallujah; Aims for Ramadi, Mosul, Baghdad|url=http://iswiraq.blogspot.com/2014/01/iraq-update-42-al-qaeda-in-iraq-patrols.html|access-date=5 January 2014|publisher=Institute for the Study of War}}

On 29 June 2014, ISIL announced a change of name to Islamic State, and declared a 'Caliphate' that includes Syria and Iraq. They then declared Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as the "Caliph" (leader of all Sunni Muslims).{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/isil-declares-new-islamic-caliphate-201462917326669749.html|title=Sunni rebels declare new 'Islamic caliphate'|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=30 July 2015}}

Some trace the beginnings of the offensive to the Syrian civil war which gave ISIL and other Sunni jihadi groups a cause and a battlefield when it looked like their campaign in Iraq was in decline{{cite web |url=http://www.cfr.org/iraq/can-iraq-survive-isis-storm/p33143 |title=Can Iraq Survive the ISIS Storm? |publisher=Council on Foreign Relations |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=19 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140619191633/http://www.cfr.org/iraq/can-iraq-survive-isis-storm/p33143 |url-status=dead}} while critics of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 believe the root of these events should trace back to unsuccessful nation-building as well as sectarian and ethnic division in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's removal from power.{{cite news|last=Tharoor |first=Ishaan |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/06/16/iraqs-crisis-dont-forget-the-2003-u-s-invasion/ |title=Iraq's crisis: Don't forget the 2003 U.S. invasion |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=27 June 2014}} U.S. Foreign policy on Iraq under the Barack Obama administration had shifted, and there had been a withrawal of U.S. troops and military presence. Anne-Marie Slaughter wrote that had Obama forcibly intervened in the Syrian civil war, it "could have stopped the carnage spreading today in Syria and in Iraq,"{{cite news|last1=SLAUGHTER|first1=ANNE-MARIE|title=Don't Fight in Iraq and Ignore Syria|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/18/opinion/dont-fight-in-iraq-and-ignore-syria.html?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Ar&_r=0|work=The New York Times|date=17 June 2014}} while Fareed Zakaria, editor of Time and former Middle Eastern policy advisor for the Bush administration,{{clarify|date=August 2014}} alleged that counterproductive western intervention in Iraq and Syria served to accelerate sectarian infighting in both countries and empowered radicals on all sides.{{cite news|author=Fareed Zakaria |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/fareed-zakaria-us-fuel-to-the-middle-east-fire/2014/01/16/489c2424-7ef1-11e3-95c6-0a7aa80874bc_story.html |title=Fareed Zakaria: U.S. fuel to the Middle East fire |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The Financial Times described the conflicts spanning Iraq and Syria as religious wars akin to Europe's Thirty Years' War.{{cite web|author=Borzou Daragahi |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b6f93e4e-e584-11e3-8b90-00144feabdc0.html |title=Middle East: Three nations, one conflict |work=Financial Times |date=27 May 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

According to the Iraq's government critics, the pro-Shia policies of al-Maliki have been considered one of the main reasons of alienation Sunni Arabs and Kurds, which has played a significant role in the deterioration of security and the reemergence of Sunni extremists.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/nouri-al-maliki-s-divisive-rule-helped-create-crisis-in-iraq-1.2678343 |title=Nouri al-Maliki's divisive rule helped create crisis in Iraq |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/19/iraq-maliki-us-strikes-air-isis-sunni |title=Iraq's Maliki: I won't quit as condition of US strikes against Isis militants |work=The Guardian |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Conversely, al-Maliki has accused Saudi Arabia of backing the militants of ISIL, who want to carve out a Sunni caliphate in the heart of the Middle East.{{cite web|last=Browning |first=Noah |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-saudi-iraq-security-idUSKBN0ET1J820140618 |title=Saudis give apparent warning to Iran: don't meddle in Iraq |publisher=Reuters |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} This view was supported by writers in Foreign Policy magazine and The Daily Beast who asserted that the Saudi government, viewing the political ascendancy of Iraq's Shia populace as a threat, elected to provide the Sunni opposition with arms.{{cite web|last=Rothkopf |first=David |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/06/12/iraq_mosul_isis_sunni_shiite_divide_iran_saudi_arabia_syria |title=The Battle for Iraq Is a Saudi War on Iran |work=Foreign Policy |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite news|author=Josh Rogin |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/14/america-s-allies-are-funding-isis.html |title=America's Allies Are Funding ISIS |work=The Daily Beast |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Michael Weiss traces the origins of ISIL to Ansar al-Islam's infiltration of Iraqi Kurdistan through Iran prior to the invasion of Iraq, and further cites a variety of evidence to claim that Syrian officials intentionally abetted the rise of ISIL to damage the reputation of moderate Syrian rebels.{{cite web|last=Weiss|first=Michael|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/06/23/iran_is_funding_isis_syria_iraq_proxy_war|title=Trust Iran Only as Far as You Can Throw It|work=Foreign Policy|date=2014-06-23|access-date=2014-08-11}}

The Iraqi army which took responsibility for holding northern Iraq, collapsed when militants including ISIL and its allies, with less than 1,000 militants, attacked and seized Mosul and Tikrit easily. The Iraqi army ceded control of Kirkuk to the Kurdish Peshmerga. There are different reasons offered for this event. According to The Guardian, one scenario is that the three Iraqi generals responsible for Mosul, Tikrit, and Kirkuk didn't want to fight for a state that wasn't working.{{cite web|author=Martin Chulov in Baghdad and Fazel Hawramy in Irbil |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/17/iraq-army-collapse-questions-theories |title=Iraqis raise questions over army's collapse as jihadi advance slows |work=The Guardian |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} According to The Daily Telegraph, the other view is that the generals in the military headquarters of these cities had shared the same Ba'athist ideology and were the first to flee.{{cite news|last=Sherlock |first=Ruth |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10899134/Iraq-crisis-Generals-in-army-handed-over-entire-city-to-al-Qaeda-inspired-ISIS-forces.html |title=Iraq crisis: Generals in army 'handed over' entire city to al-Qaeda inspired ISIS forces |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Another scenario is that the Iraqi troops quickly realized they were no match for battle-hardened and ideologically motivated jihadis heading their way. A third theory is that the Kurds had long ago lost faith in prime minister Nouri al-Maliki's ability to serve either their interests or those of Iraq.

Washington Institute for Near East Policy analyst Michael Knights noted that mutual opposition to the Shia-led government allowed for an alliance between the hitherto ideologically opposed ISIL and secular Ba'ath influenced insurgents such as the Naqshbandi order. Coordination between both groups granted ISIL the assistance of underground networks of former military, insurgents, Sunni officials and tribal groups sympathetic to the Ba'ath era government, thereby allowing a relatively small number of militants to execute a "coup" in Sunni regions where the banned Ba'ath party still retains a degree of support. The presence of Naqshbandi, MCIR and other secular insurgent groups led to tribes and some Awakening Councils opposed to ISIL supporting the insurrection.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/19/world/middleeast/former-loyalists-of-saddam-hussein-crucial-in-helping-isis.html?hpw&rref=world&_r=0|title=Uneasy Alliance Gives Insurgents an Edge in Iraq|date=18 June 2014|work=The New York Times}}{{cite magazine|author=Aryn Baker |url=https://time.com/2894757/iraq-al-qaeda-awakening-council/ |title=Why Iraq's Awakening Councils Can't Save the Country From al-Qaeda This Time |magazine=Time |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Additionally, Knights reported that in the years preceding the insurrection, the Naqshbandi led by Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri aggressively forged ties to elements of Sunni civil society opposed to the Maliki government, encouraged the establishment of protest camps at sites including Hawija and attempted to co-opt Sunni militia. The arrival of ISIL militants from Syria ultimately serving as the final catalyst behind a broader revolt.{{cite magazine|last=Knights |first=Michael |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/118356/izzat-ibrahim-al-douri-saddam-husseins-pal-key-stopping-isis |title=Saddam Hussein's Faithful Friend, the King of Clubs, Might Be the Key to Saving Iraq |magazine=New Republic |date=30 December 2006 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 4 and 5 June 2014, ISIL militants attacked and captured parts of the city of Samarra. The ISIL operatives blew up a police station south of Samara overnight, killing several policemen, before they advanced on the city in pick-up trucks, raiding checkpoints along the way.{{cite journal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-05/258988-six-killed-as-militants-assault-iraqs-samarra.ashx|title=Six killed as militants overrun Iraq's Samarra|journal=Daily Star|access-date=12 June 2014|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328230937/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-05/258988-six-killed-as-militants-assault-iraqs-samarra.ashx|url-status=dead}} They entered the city from the east and west and quickly captured the municipality building, university and the two largest mosques. The insurgents had reached to within {{convert|2|km|mi}} from the Al-Askari Mosque, which was defended by three security belts. Militants targeted command centres near the shrine. Soon, government reinforcements were sent from Baghdad and the military managed to regain control of the city, pushing militant forces out of Samarra. 12 policemen and several civilians were killed in the fighting,{{cite news|last=Hassan |first=Ghazwan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-idUSKBN0EG1RG20140605 |title=Iraq dislodges insurgents from city of Samarra with airstrikes |work=Reuters |date=5 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} while an army official claimed 80 militants also died.{{citation needed|date=June 2014}}

{{Main|Fall of Mosul}}

On 6 June, ISIL attacked Mosul from the northwest and quickly entered the western part of the city. The ISIL forces numbered approximately 1,500, while there were at least 15 times more Iraqi forces.{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21604160-iraqs-second-city-has-fallen-group-wants-create-state-which-wage-jihad|title=The capture of Mosul: Terror's new headquarters|newspaper=The Economist}} The assault started at 02:30 in the morning when ISIL convoys of pickup trucks advancing from the west shot their way through the two-man checkpoints into the city. By 03:30, street fighting was raging in Mosul.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-gharawi-special-report-idUKKCN0I30ZA20141014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306212437/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-gharawi-special-report-idUKKCN0I30ZA20141014|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 March 2016|title=Special report – How Mosul fell: An Iraqi general disputes Baghdad's story|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 October 2014}} In southern Mosul, five suicide bombers attacked an arms depot killing 11 soldiers. Two suicide bombers also killed six people in the village of Muaffakiya, near Mosul. Heavy fighting continued in the city the next day. Over the two days, 61 militants, 41 government troops and seven civilians were killed.{{cite news|author=Ziad al-Sinjary |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0EH1YD20140606 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018155049/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0EH1YD20140606 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 October 2016 |title=Insurgents fight Iraqi forces in city of Mosul |work=Reuters |date=6 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/middle-east/59895-heavy-clashes-suicide-bombings-mosul-iraq |title=Heavy clashes, suicide bombings kill 36 in north Iraq |publisher=Rappler.com |date=7 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/mosul-violence-iraq-581854 |title=At least 59 Iraqis killed in Mosul violence |publisher=Albawaba.com |date=7 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

As the militants advanced they seized military vehicles and weapons and reportedly hanged soldiers and lit them ablaze, crucified them, and torched them on the hoods of Humvees. On the western edge of Tamoz 17 neighborhood, police from the Fourth Battalion made a stand against the insurgents as government forces were order to form a defensive line to cordon off the besieged western Mosul neighborhoods from the Tigris River.

While fighting raged in Mosul, on 8 June, a double bomb attack, including a suicide bomber, against the Kurdish PUK party office in the town of Jalawla left 18 people dead, most of them members of the Kurdish security forces.{{cite journal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-08/259301-double-bombing-at-party-office-kills-19-in-iraq.ashx |title=Bombing of PUK HQ in Diyala leaves 18 dead |journal=The Daily Star|location=Lebanon |date=8 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} At the same time, ISIL advanced to the east of Mosul, capturing the Hawija, Al Zab, Riyadh, and Abbasi areas west of the city of Kirkuk, and Rashad and Yankaja to its south after government forces retreated.{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/jihadists-seize-areas-in/1144692.html |title=Jihadists seize areas in Iraq's Kirkuk province, say police |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=16 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816234908/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/jihadists-seize-areas-in/1144692.html |url-status=dead }}

By this time, insurgents surged into Mosul, sleeper cells hiding in the city had been activated and neighbourhoods rallied to them. The insurgents bombed a police station in the al-Uraybi neighbourhood and charged into the area around the Mosul Hotel, on the western bank of the Tigris, where a battle post was set up for 30 police SWAT members.

The next day, ISIL forces executed 15 security forces members captured near Kirkuk.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10892299/Iraq-crisis-al-Qaeda-forces-seize-Mosul-and-Tikrit-as-it-happened.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612010149/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10892299/Iraq-crisis-al-Qaeda-forces-seize-Mosul-and-Tikrit-as-it-happened.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 June 2014 |title=Iraq crisis: al-Qaeda forces seize Mosul and Tikrit – as it happened |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Four days later, on 13 June, in the eastern part of the province, Kurdish military forces (Peshmerga) advanced and took the city of Kirkuk, after government forces abandoned their posts in the face of the ISIL offensive, expanding the Kurdish zone of control in Northern Iraq. Kurdish forces then awaited further orders before moving towards the areas controlled by ISIL.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27809051 |title=Iraqi Kurds 'fully control Kirkuk' as army flees |publisher=BBC |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} A Peshmerga spokesman said, "The whole of Kirkuk has fallen into the hands of Peshmerga, no Iraqi army remains in Kirkuk now." Ten tanks and dozens of Humvee vehicles that had been abandoned by the Army were seized by Kurdish forces.{{cite news|last=Sherlock |first=Ruth |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10896557/Iraq-crisis-al-Qaeda-inspired-forces-battle-Kurdish-fighters-on-the-frontline-of-a-new-war.html |title=Iraq crisis: al-Qaeda inspired forces battle Kurdish fighters on the frontline of a new war |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

By the afternoon of 9 June on Mosul's front, some 40 members of the Fourth Police Battalion were among the last local police fighting to hold back the jihadists in western Mosul. The rest had either defected or deserted. At 04:30 in the afternoon, a military water tanker, rigged with explosives, raced towards the Mosul Hotel where the policemen were stationed. The subsequent explosion wounded the battalion's commander, Colonel Dhiyab Ahmed al-Assi al-Obeidi, whose leg was ripped open by the blast. Other police officers then transported him by boat across the river. This attack broke the defensive line in the west of the city.

That night, generals Aboud Qanbar and Ali Ghaidan decided to withdraw across the river, leaving Lieutenant General Mahdi Al-Gharrawi, the operational commander of Nineveh Governorate, at his command post without any orders. Ghaidan and Qanbar's retreating convoy created the impression that Iraq's security forces were deserting and so Iraqi Army soldiers started to flee Mosul.{{cite news|last1=Fahim|first1=Kareem|last2=Al-Salhy|first2=Suadad|title=Sunni Militants Drive Iraqi Army Out of Mosul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/world/middleeast/militants-in-mosul.html|access-date=10 June 2014|work=The New York Times|date=10 June 2014}} The 2nd Division had deserted the city within a few hours and both Ghaidan and Qanbar arrived in Kurdistan the next day.

On the morning of 10 June, Gharawi and 26 of his men, who were still at the operation command centre in the western part of the city, decided to fight their way across a bridge to eastern Mosul. On the east bank, their five vehicles were set ablaze and after coming under heavy fire, during which three of the soldiers were killed, it was every man for himself, as Gharawi said. In the east, Gharawi and three of his men commandeered an armoured vehicle with flat tires and headed north to safety. The militants were in control of much of the city by midday on 10 June. The militants seized numerous facilities, including Mosul International Airport, which had served as a hub for the U.S. military in the region. It was thought all aircraft located there had been captured, including helicopters and jet fighters. The militants also claimed to had released at least 2,400 prisoners, after seizing police stations and prisons across the city.{{cite news|last1=Sly|first1=Liz|last2=Ramadan|first2=Ahmed|title=Insurgents seize Iraqi city of Mosul as troops flee|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/insurgents-seize-iraqi-city-of-mosul-as-troops-flee/2014/06/10/21061e87-8fcd-4ed3-bc94-0e309af0a674_story.html?hpid=z1|access-date=10 June 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=10 June 2014}}{{cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2014/06/12/le-nord-sunnite-de-l-irak-aux-mains-de-l-eiil_4436797_3218.html |title=Le nord sunnite de l'Irak aux mains de l'EIIL |work=Le Monde |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} However, after the takeover of Badush prison near Mosul, ISIL separated and removed the Sunni inmates, while the remaining 670 prisoners were executed.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0GP0L220140825|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305203431/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0GP0L220140825|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 March 2016|title=U.N. accuses Islamic State of mass killings|newspaper=Reuters|date=25 August 2014}} At the end of 10 June, ISIL was considered to be in control of Mosul.{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/06/isis_take_control_of.php|title=ISIS takes control of Mosul, Iraq's second largest city|publisher=The Long War Journal|date=10 June 2014|access-date=22 November 2014|author=Bill Roggio}}

On 11 June, ISIL members seized the Turkish consulate in Mosul and kidnapped 48 Turkish citizens including the consul general, three children and several members of the Turkish Special Forces. Reports suggested the abductees were taken to a nearby militant base and were unharmed. An unnamed Turkish official confirmed the government was in contact with the insurgents, while Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an emergency meeting with members of the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay to discuss the situation. The daring assault came a day after 28 Turkish truck drivers were abducted by militants while delivering fuel to a power plant in Mosul.{{cite news |title=ISIL fighters seize 48 Turks at consulate in Iraq's Mosul |url=http://www.todayszaman.com/news-350080-isil-fighters-seize-48-turks-at-consulate-in-iraqs-mosul.html |access-date=11 June 2014 |date=11 June 2014 |work=Today's Zaman |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616012448/http://www.todayszaman.com/news-350080-isil-fighters-seize-48-turks-at-consulate-in-iraqs-mosul.html |archive-date=16 June 2014 |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news |url= http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/isil-kidnaps-turkish-consul-special-forces-several-others-in-iraq.aspx?pageID=238&nID=67660&NewsCatID=352|title=ISIL kidnaps Turkish consul, special forces, children in northern Iraqi hotspot |date=11 June 2014|work=Hürriyet Daily News}} Earlier that day, the governor of Ninawa Governate, Atheel al-Nujaifi, accused the military commanders that were in Mosul of abandoning the battlefield and fleeing from the city. The governor demanded that they be tried in a military court. He also stated that it was not just ISIL that captured Mosul but that other small militias had provided support in capturing the city.{{cite news|title=ISIS just outside Samarra and Iran presents its support to Iraq|url=http://www.alhurra.com/content/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%AA-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A1-%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%A9/251483.html|access-date=11 June 2014|publisher=AlHurra|archive-date=20 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620024403/http://www.alhurra.com/content/%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%85%d9%88%d8%b5%d9%84-%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%aa-%d8%b3%d9%8a%d8%b7%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%af%d8%a7%d8%b9%d8%b4-%d9%87%d8%af%d9%88%d8%a1-%d9%85%d8%a7-%d9%82%d8%a8%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%a7%d8%b5%d9%81%d8%a9/251483.html|url-status=dead}} On 20 September 2014 the hostages captured on 11 June 2014 from the Turkish consulate in Mosul were released.{{cite news|title=Isis militants release 49 hostages taken at Turkish consulate in Mosul|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/20/isis-releases-hostages-turkish-consulate-mosul|date=20 September 2014|first=Chris|last=Johnston}}

ISIL seized large quantities of US-supplied military equipment. It also freed thousands of prisoners, many of whom are likely to join the insurgency.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2014/06/iraq-isil-mosul-2014612121744334979.html |title=Iraq, ISIL and the region's choices |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=27 June 2014}}

There were conflicting reports about the east bank of Mosul, which has a significant population of Assyrians, Kurds, Turkmens, Shabaks and Armenians,{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Mosul.html |title=Mosul |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=27 June 2014}} with some suggesting it was controlled by Kurdish Peshmergas{{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/06/kurds-isis-mosul-maliki-krg-gains-leverage.html# |title=Iraqi Kurds maneuver between Maliki and Mosul |last1=Natali |first1=Denise |authorlink1=Denise Natali |date=13 June 2014 |website=Al Monitor |access-date=14 June 2014}} while according to others it was ISIL-controlled.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraq-militants-seize-provincial-hq-in-mosul-city/2014/06/10/0f78879c-f06a-11e3-ba99-4469323d5076_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610233721/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraq-militants-seize-provincial-hq-in-mosul-city/2014/06/10/0f78879c-f06a-11e3-ba99-4469323d5076_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2014 |title=Militants overrun most of major Iraqi city |last1=Schreck |first1=Adam |date=10 June 2014 |newspaper=Washington Post |access-date=14 June 2014}}

Sources within the Iraq government allege that in the months preceding the assault, Ba'ath loyalists led by al-Douri had been in contact with disaffected Sunni officers who either defected or withdrew upon the ISIL-Ba'ath attack.{{cite web |url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/20182/ |title=Iraq: Understanding the coup in Mosul and its consequences |publisher=English.al-akhbar.com |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618233122/http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/20182 |archive-date=18 June 2014 |url-status=dead }} While speaking to the charity Aid to the Church in Need, Chaldean Catholic Church Archbishop of Mosul Amel Nona stated "Mosul's last remaining Christians had left now a city which until 2003 was home to 35,000 faithful."{{cite web|title=Mosul now emptied of Christians, says Archbishop|url=http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/06/12/mosul_now_emptied_of_christians,_says_archbishop/1101658|website=Vatican Radio|access-date=17 June 2014}}

On 11 June, insurgents advanced into the oil refinery town of Baiji, seizing the main court house and police station and setting them on fire. The militants, who were travelling in a group of around 60 vehicles, also took control of the Baiji prison and freed all the inmates. Local residents told members of the media that ISIL sent a group of local tribal chiefs ahead of them to convince the 250 guards at the oil plant to withdraw, while soldiers and police had been warned to leave as well.{{cite news|title=Half a million flee unrest in Iraq's Mosul|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/tens-thousands-flee-unrest-iraq-mosul-201461175824711415.html|access-date=11 June 2014|date=11 June 2014|publisher=Al Jazeera}} Later in the day, militants reportedly retreated from Baiji, either due to persuasion from local tribal leaders{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/iraq-army-capitulates-to-isis-militants-in-4-cities-1.1828973 |title=Iraq army capitulates to Isis militants in 4 cities |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} or due to reinforcements from the Iraqi Army's Fourth Armored Division arriving in the city.{{cite news|title=Iraqi city of Tikrit falls to ISIL fighters|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/iraqi-city-tikrit-falls-isil-fighters-2014611135333576799.html|access-date=11 June 2014|date=11 June 2014|publisher=Al Jazeera}} However, the next day it was confirmed ISIL was still in control of the town, except the refinery which was surrounded.

Continuing their offensive, on the evening of 11 June, insurgents took full control of the city of Tikrit, the hometown of former president Saddam Hussein and the second provincial capital to fall in two days. Local officials reported that checkpoints had been set up around the city, while at least 300 inmates had been freed from the city's prisons, many of them serving sentences under terrorism charges.{{cite news|title=Insurgents overrun parts of Iraqi city of Tikrit|url=http://www.trust.org/item/20140611125744-34r69|access-date=11 June 2014|date=11 June 2014|work=Trust.org via Reuters|archive-date=12 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612164357/http://www.trust.org/item/20140611125744-34r69|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Iraq's Tikrit falls to militants: police|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-11/259731-iraqs-tikrit-falls-to-militants-police.ashx|access-date=11 June 2014|date=11 June 2014|work=Daily Star Lebanon}} Two police stations were burned down and a military base was captured.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/11/world/meast/iraq-violence/ |title=Fresh off Mosul victory, militants in Iraq wrest control of Tikrit |date=11 June 2014 |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}} ISIL forces had also reached Samarra and were fighting government troops at the city's northwest entrance.

At this point, Iraqi government officials described the situation as a "strategic disaster" for the Iraqi government and army.

On 12 June, ISIL continued their advance towards Baghdad, the capital and largest city of Iraq, moving into towns just an hour's drive from the city. It controlled parts of the small town of Udhaim, 90 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, after most of the army troops left their positions and withdrew towards the nearby town of Al Khalis in Diyala Governorate. ISIL also captured ten towns in Saladin Governorate, but not Tuz Khurmatu, Dujail, Balad, Samarra{{cite news |url=http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/344074--armed-groups-in-west-iraq-take-control-of-oil-pipelines |title=Armed groups in west Iraq take control of oil pipelines |date=12 June 2014 |agency=Anadolu Agency |access-date=24 August 2014}} or Amirli.{{cite news |title=Amerli – the town holding out against the Islamic State and starvation |first=Ali |last=al-Bayati |url=http://eaworldview.com/2014/08/iraq-feature-amerli-town-fighting-islamic-state-starvation/ |newspaper=EA WorldView |date=22 August 2014 |access-date=24 August 2014}} Samarra had reportedly become surrounded by ISIL forces.{{cite web |url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2014/0612/Sunni-militant-success-in-Iraq-brings-Islamic-caliphate-into-focus |title=Sunni militant success in Iraq brings Islamic caliphate into focus |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=12 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

Meanwhile, an Iraqi Border Patrol battalion stationed along the Syrian border in the western Anbar Governorate abandoned its positions in the face of advancing ISIL forces to break out to the relative safety of the Kurdish-controlled town of Sinjar in Nineveh. However, the convoy of 60 trucks and hundreds of border police were thrown into disarray and panic when a small force of ISIL vehicles attacked them en route. By the time Kurdish forces arrived, the police force had been completely routed, with an unknown number of killed and captured, while others fled into the desert, leaving all their vehicles behind. Only two policemen managed to arrive at Sinjar on foot.

In the early hours of 13 June, ISIL seized two towns in Diyala Governorate, after security forces abandoned their posts in Sadiyah and Jalawla. Several villages around the Hamrin Mountains were also captured.[http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-jalawla-idUKKBN0EO0LF20140613 Insurgents take two more Iraqi towns, Obama threatens air strikes] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613114752/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/06/13/uk-iraq-security-jalawla-idUKKBN0EO0LF20140613 |date=13 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27828595 |title=Iraq conflict: ISIS militants seize new towns |publisher=BBC |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} At the same time, Kurdish forces entered Jalawla to secure offices of Kurdish parties in the town.{{cite web|last=Yacoub |first=Sameer N. |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jun/13/iraq-in-paralysis-after-sunni-militants-blitz/ |title=Sunni militants capture 2 towns north of Baghdad |work=The Washington Times |date=13 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

File:An AC-208 fires a Hellfire at practice target.jpg AC-208 firing a Hellfire missile during a training exercise in 2010.]]

On 13 June 2014, Iraqi forces supported by elements of the Quds Force and Iranian Revolutionary Guards had gathered in the town of Samarra and claimed to have regained control of parts of Saladin Governorate,{{cite news|title=Iraq's military claims victories; U.S. sends aircraft carrier to Gulf |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/14/world/meast/iraq-violence/ |publisher=CNN |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=14 June 2014}} namely the town of Dhuluiyah. Journalists from Al-Monitor embedded in Mosul and Tikrit reported that repeated airstrikes by the government made ISIL militants depart from conspicuous positions within the cities. In their place, militants associated with the Naqshbandi Army and other anti-government groups led by former Ba'ath officers assumed the visible role of patrolling and administration.{{clarify|date=June 2014}} Militants were reported to have appointed former Ba'ath generals Azhar al-Obeidi and Ahmed Abdul Rashid as the governors of Mosul and Tikrit. Sunni militants remained in control of Tikrit and its strategically significant COB Speicher military base and air field.{{cite web |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/06/iraq-isis-expansion-mosul-maliki-us-assistance.html |title=Maliki asks for US help as ISIS expands in Iraq |publisher=Al-monitor.com |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627132330/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/06/iraq-isis-expansion-mosul-maliki-us-assistance.html |archive-date=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} Insurgents in Tikrit were reported to be mining the roads leading into the city and positioning artillery to resist an anticipated siege.{{cite web|author=Ahmed Rasheed And Raheem Salman |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/middle-east/10160436/Iraq-insurgent-offensive-stalls |title=Iraq insurgent offensive stalls |publisher=Stuff.co.nz |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

According to The Guardian newspaper, the call to arms by the highest Shia authority in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, on 13 June mobilized in less than one day around a division of militiamen who, unlike the military, would not run from a fight with the insurgents.{{cite web|author=Martin Chulov |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/15/shia-militia-vow-to-defend-baghdad-from-isis-fighters |title=Shia militia: 'Isis will not take Baghdad' |work=The Guardian |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 14 June, Al-Maliki went to Samarra and declared "Samarra will be the starting point, the gathering station of our troops to cleanse every inch that was desecrated by footsteps of those traitors." There were conflicting reports about the situation of al-Dhuluiya, outside of Samarra. Government officials and state TV claimed that Iraqi security forces had taken control of the town, but security officials in Samarra and witnesses there told CNN the town was still under ISIL control.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/14/world/meast/iraq-violence/ |title=Iraqi PM orders troops to make stand in Samarra; U.S. sends aircraft carrier |date=14 June 2014 |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}}

The same day, the Iraqi military attacked ISIL forces in al-Mutasim, {{convert|22|km|mi}} south-east of Samarra, driving militants out into the surrounding desert.{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-16/isis-insurgents-publish-photos-of-mass-execution-in-iraq/5525342 |title=Iraq crisis: ISIS insurgents publish photos of alleged mass execution in Tikrit, as government continues counter-attack |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Meanwhile, the bodies of 128 Iraqi soldiers and policemen killed in clashes with ISIL were received by medical staff in Mosul.{{cite web |url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/168011/body-count-rises-amid-ongoing-fighting-in-mosul.html |title=Body count rises amid ongoing fighting in Mosul |access-date=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712040202/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/168011/body-count-rises-amid-ongoing-fighting-in-mosul.html |archive-date=12 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }}

Also, it was reported that the Iraqi Army had killed seven Kurdish security forces in an airstrike in Diyala. Jabbar Yawar, the secretary general of the Peshmerga, said talks with Iraqi authorities were under way to ascertain what had happened.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-airstrike-idUSKBN0EP12H20140614 |title=Iraqi airstrike kills seven Kurdish security forces in Diyala: police |work=Reuters |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The next day, the military recaptured Ishaqi where the burned bodies of 12 policemen were found.{{cite web |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/iraq-crisis-us-orders/1161288.html |title=Iraq crisis: US orders aircraft carrier to Gulf, Iran offers help |publisher=Channel NewsAsia |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=17 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617173615/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/iraq-crisis-us-orders/1161288.html |url-status=dead }}

On 28 June, Iraqi forces launched an attack against the city of Tikrit.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/iraqi-forces-launch-attacks-tikrit|title=Iraqi forces launch attacks on Tikrit|author=Kevin Rawlinson|work=the Guardian|date=28 June 2014|access-date=30 July 2015}}

File:Peshmerga on a T-55-Tank outside Kirkuk in Iraq..jpg T-55 tank outside Kirkuk on 19 June 2014.]]

Late on 15 June, after repeated assaults, an insurgent assault, primarily led by the Naqshbandi Army and former Ba'athists, captured Tal Afar and its nearby airbase{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/saddam-husseins-old-party-is-behind-iraq-chaos-2014-6 |title=Saddam Hussein's Old Party Is Behind Iraq Chaos |publisher=Businessinsider.com |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The defenders, composed largely of Shia Turkmen and soldiers retreating from Mosul, escaped to Kurdish-controlled territory.{{cite web|author=Bill Roggio|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2014/06/isis_takes_control_of_tal_afar.php# |title=ISIS takes control of Tal Afar |publisher=Longwarjournal.org |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-advancing-isil-militants-seize-northwest-iraq-town-in-heavy-battle-1995812 |title=Advancing ISIL militants seize northwest Iraq town in heavy battle |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} During the fighting for Tal Afar, 18 militants died, and ten people were killed in the insurgent shelling of the town.{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Iraq-hits-militants-and-regains-ground/tabid/417/articleID/348708/Default.aspx |title=Iraq hits militants and 'regains ground' |publisher=3news.co.nz |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150944/http://www.3news.co.nz/Iraq-hits-militants-and-regains-ground/tabid/417/articleID/348708/Default.aspx |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} The local security garrison suffered heavy casualties, but the number was unknown.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/militants-post-images-of-mass-killing-in-iraq/2014/06/15/33455d56-f477-11e3-a43f-0dc88bbee9bb_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140616011058/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/militants-post-images-of-mass-killing-in-iraq/2014/06/15/33455d56-f477-11e3-a43f-0dc88bbee9bb_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 June 2014 |title=Militants post photos of mass killing in Iraq |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} It was also claimed that Major General Abu Al-Waleed was captured at Tal Afar, but he allegedly later denied this on state TV.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/17/world/middleeast/iraq.html|title=Insurgents in North Ambush Militia Volunteers and Seize Another City|date=17 June 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 May 2016}} During that day, rebels made claims of executing 1,000–1,800 captured soldiers, while the military claimed the Air Force had killed 279 militants in the previous 24 hours.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27858692 |title=Iraq conflict: Images purport to show 'massacre' by militants |publisher=BBC News |access-date=15 June 2014 |date=15 June 2014}}{{cite web|last=Sly |first=Liz |url=http://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2014/06/16/Rebel-gains-persist-in-Iraqi-north/stories/201406160114 |title=Rebel gains persist in Iraqi north |publisher=Post-gazette.com |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Analysis of execution videos by military experts managed to confirm the killing of at least 170 soldiers.

On 15 June, ISIL also advanced further into Diyala Governorate gaining control of two villages in ʿAdhaim, northeast of Baghdad.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/15/world/meast/iraq-photos-isis/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 |title=Terrifying execution images in Iraq; U.S. Embassy in Baghdad relocates some staff |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}} The next day, 28–29 Iraqi Shiite volunteer militiamen were killed in an ambush of their convoy south of Samarra by ISIL. Meanwhile, the military claimed to have killed 56 insurgents in areas of western and southern Baghdad, while fighting in Diyala Governorate left 29 militants and eight soldiers dead. A number of soldiers were also captured.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/mideast/2014/06/16/iraqi-army-kills-isis-militants-in-eastern-iraq |title=Iraqi Army Kills Isis Militants in Eastern Iraq |publisher=Dailysabah.com |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The first Iranian soldier was also killed.{{cite web|last=Fassihi |first=Farnaz |url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/iranian-quds-force-soldier-killed-in-iraq-fighting-sunni-extremists-1402943891?mod=_newsreel_5 |title=Iranian Quds Force Soldier Killed in Iraq Fighting Sunni Extremists |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} In addition, Tal Afar fell on 16 June[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/16/iraq-tal-afar-falls-isis Iraqi city of Tal Afar falls to Isis insurgents] Martin Chulov, The Guardian, June 16,

2014. to ISIL forces led by Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al-Mawli al-Salbi.

West of Baghdad, ISIL captured Saqlawiyah where army helicopters were hovering over the town to provide cover for retreating troops. During the fighting a helicopter was shot down.{{cite news|author=Ziad al-Sanjary and Arshad Mohammed |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUKKBN0EO0LF20140616?irpc=932 |title=U.S. considers air strikes, action with Iran to halt Iraq rebels |work=Reuters |date = 16 June 2014|access-date=27 June 2014}} In the evening, police executed 44 Sunni prisoners at a police station in Baqubah before retreating due to an advance by ISIL forces which captured several neighborhoods in the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/18/world/middleeast/sectarian-violence-appears-to-spread-to-streets-of-baghdad.html|title=As Sunnis Die in Iraq, a Cycle Is Restarting|date=18 June 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=1 May 2016}} Conflicting information has been presented regarding the number killed and the identity of those responsible, as the Washington Post reported that the prisoners were either killed during a battle with ISIL or "preemptively" by security forces. The situation regarding the killing of a Sunni imam in Baghdad is also unclear.{{cite news|last=Morris |first=Loveday |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/iraqi-forces-battle-swiftly-moving-militants/2014/06/17/f472df6e-00a6-4815-acfa-0f23506ef0e8_story.html |title=Fears of sectarian violence rise in Baghdad after killing of Sunni imam and prison inmates |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 17 June, according to BBC the Army had retaken the captured districts of Baqubah.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27881995 |title=Iraq conflict: Clashes on approaches to Baghdad |publisher=BBC |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Elsewhere, security forces withdrew from the Al-Qa'im border crossing as rebels from the Free Syrian Army and al-Nusra Front crossed the border and took hold of it.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/World/News/Gunmen-seize-Iraq-Syria-border-crossing-20140617 |title=Gunmen seize Iraq-Syria border crossing |publisher=News24.com |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=4 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704104430/http://www.news24.com/World/News/Gunmen-seize-Iraq-Syria-border-crossing-20140617 |url-status=dead }} Also, east of Samarra, the bodies of 18 executed security force members were discovered.{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1085150 |title=Iraq violence kills 21 as militants press offensive |work=The Sun|location=Malaysia |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 18 June, ISIL attacked Iraq's largest oil refinery in Baiji with mortars and machine guns.{{cite web|title=Sunni militants attacked on Iraq's largest oil refinery in Baiji|url=http://www.patrika.com/news/sunni-militants-attacked-on-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-in-baiji/1012976|publisher=Patrika Group|access-date=18 June 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702175632/http://www.patrika.com/news/sunni-militants-attacked-on-iraqs-largest-oil-refinery-in-baiji/1012976|archive-date=2 July 2014|df=dmy-all}} An official from inside the refinery stated the militants had captured 75 percent of the facility, while a military spokesman claimed the attack had been repelled with 40 insurgents being killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27897648 |title=Iraq crisis: Battle grips vital Baiji oil refinery |publisher=BBC |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Meanwhile, rebels overran three villages in Salaheddin Governorate following fighting that left some 20 civilians dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/iraq-claims-making-gains-against-isil-rebels-201461813237625692.html |title=Iraq claims making gains against ISIL rebels |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=27 June 2014}} Also, India said that 40 of its nationals, who were working for a Turkish construction company in Mosul, had been abducted by militants.{{cite web|title=40 Indian Workers kidnapped by Sunni Militants in Mosul, Iraq|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/40-indian-workers-kidnapped-by-sunni-militants-in-mosul-iraq/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=18 June 2014}} At the same time, Rauf Rashid Abd al-Rahman, the presiding judge during the trial of Saddam Hussein, was reportedly captured and executed by insurgents,{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/iraq-isis-crisis-judge-who-sentenced-saddam-hussein-death-executed-by-rebels-1453975 |title=Iraq Isis Crisis: Judge Who Sentenced Saddam Hussein to Death Executed by Rebels |work=International Business Times |date=24 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} though that was later denied by family members and the Kurdistan Regional Government.{{cite news|url=http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/260620143|date=2014-06-26|title=Kurdish Judge Who Ordered Saddam Hanged is Alive and Well|work=Rudaw English|first=Raed asad|last=ahmed|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626175826/http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/260620143|archive-date=2014-06-26|url-status=live}}

On 19 June, government forces claimed to have regained full control of the Baiji oil refinery, after heavy fighting with ISIL fighters that left 100 militants dead.{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1285416/iraq-forces-retake-oil-refinery-from-isis |title=Iraq Forces 'Retake' Oil Refinery From ISIS|publisher=Sky News|date=19 June 2014}} An Iraqi witness who drove past the Baiji refinery told the Associated Press that ISIL had hung their banners from the watch towers and created checkpoints surrounding the facility, despite government claims of control.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/isis-militants-black-banners-hang-beiji-refinery-ap-witness-n135306 |title=ISIS Militants' Black Banners Hang at Beiji Refinery: AP Witness |publisher=NBC News |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} By the evening, the two sides held different parts of the refinery.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iraqs-prime-minister-al-maliki-under-pressure-amid-militant-offensive/ |title=Iraq's prime minister al-Maliki under pressure amid militant offensive |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The same day, ISIL captured the Al Muthanna Chemical Weapons Facility near Lake Tharthar, 45 miles northwest of Baghdad, in an area which was firmly come under rebel control by this point.{{cite news|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/sunni-extremists-in-iraq-occupy-saddams-chemical-weapons-facility-1403190600|title=Sunni Extremists in Iraq Occupy Hussein's Chemical Weapons Facility |work=The Wall Street Journal|date=19 June 2014 |author=Julian E. Barnes}}

On 20 June, the oil refinery was still surrounded by ISIL forces and had once again come under attack. By the evening, US officials had told ABC News that the 270 Iraqi troops trapped in the refinery were outnumbered and outgunned. And, with ISIL in control of the roads to and from Baiji, there was little chance of their resources being replenished. The militants planned to wait until the troops ran out of food and ammunition.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/troops-surrounded-trapped-iraqs-key-refinery-sources-abc/story?id=24231981 |title=Troops Surrounded, Trapped in Iraq's Key Refinery, Sources Tell ABC News |publisher=ABC News |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} On the same day, ISIL claimed to have captured most of the Tal Afar airport. Kurdish forces, who were accompanied by a BBC news crew, became surrounded by ISIL on three sides in Jalula{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27936652 |title=Iraq crisis: Fierce battles for Baiji and Tal Afar |publisher=BBC |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} and later it was confirmed the control of the town was divided between the Kurds and ISIL.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27952465 |title=Struggle for Iraq: Kurdish snipers in battle with Isis fighters |work=BBC News |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 21 June, militants captured the Baiji oil refinery after overnight clashes with government forces.{{cite web | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/rebels-capture-iraq-largest-oil-refinery-20146219406492925.html | title=Reports: Rebels capture Iraq oil refinery | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=21 June 2014 | access-date=22 June 2014}} On the same day, Iraqi Shia militias rallied all over Iraq to show their strength. The largest rally was in Baghdad in which thousands of members of Shia militia Promised Day Brigades participated.{{cite web | url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/iraqi-shia-groups-rally-show-power-20146216504615669.html | title=Iraqi Shia groups rally in show of power | publisher=Al Jazeera | date=21 June 2014 | access-date=22 June 2014}} Also, ISIL clashed with allied Sunni militants, leaving 17 dead in Hawija.{{cite web|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/135970-sunni-militant-infighting-kills-17-in-iraq-s-kirkuk |title=Sunni Militant Infighting Kills 17 in Iraq's Kirkuk |publisher=Naharnet.com |date=21 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 23 June, insurgents captured the Tal Afar airport and secured the town itself.{{cite web |url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/06/23/02/02/militants-seize-more-iraq-towns |title=Kerry in Iraq, Sunni rebels seize town |publisher=News.ninemsn.com.au |date=23 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714142930/http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/06/23/02/02/militants-seize-more-iraq-towns |archive-date=14 July 2014 |df=dmy-all }} Iraqi security sources confirmed for the first time the Baiji oil refinery had been seized by militants, after being attacked for several days.{{cite news|title=John Kerry holds talks in Iraq as more cities fall to ISIS militants|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/23/world/meast/iraq-crisis/|publisher=CNN|date=23 June 2014}} 400 soldiers of the 37th Brigade, including its officers, deserted from the refinery following an agreement reached with tribal leaders per which the troops had free passage to leave for 24 hours. 50–75 police commandos, who refused to desert, attempted to prevent the Brigade's desertion at gunpoint but were outnumbered by the soldiers and backed down. This left the insurgents in control of virtually the entire facility, except one compound where the refinery's operating systems are located due to the SWAT members barricading themselves in the building. A standoff ensued as the insurgents didn't want to risk a direct assault for fear of damaging the facilities systems. Instead, ISIL decided to slowly starve out the commandos if they refused to surrender, since no reinforcements could be flown in to the SWAT unit due to the heavy insurgent anti-aircraft fire around the refinery. The siege of the building continued as of mid-July.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/75-iraqi-troops-holdout-in-the-battle-for-baiji-iraqs-largest-refinery-20140711-zt2dp.html|title=75 Iraqi troops holdout in the battle for Baiji, Iraq's largest refinery|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=10 July 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqi-soldier-tells-of-desertion-as-militants-attacked-refinery-our-officers-sold-us-out/2014/07/10/e634c0a0-02be-11e4-8fd0-3a663dfa68ac_story.html|title=Iraqi soldier tells of desertion as militants attacked refinery: 'Our officers sold us out'|newspaper=The Washington Post}}

By this point, sources reported that a combination of desertions, casualties and loss of equipment crippled the regular Iraqi military, forcing the government to increasingly rely on volunteers drawn from Shia militias.{{cite web|last=Vinograd |first=Cassandra |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/anti-u-s-cleric-muqtada-al-sadr-retakes-stage-amid-n138406 |title=Anti-US cleric Muqtada al-Sadr retakes stage amid Iraq turmoil |publisher=NBC News |date=23 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite news|last=Morris |first=Loveday |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/iraqi-military-facing-psychological-collapse-after-losses-desertions/2014/06/22/88ed659a-fa4a-11e3-8176-f2c941cf35f1_story.html |title=Iraqi military facing 'psychological collapse' after losses, desertions |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=27 June 2014}} Iraqi officials also conceded they had essentially given up on the north of the country to the insurgent forces.{{cite web|author=Hamza Hendawi |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/iraqs-government-given-up-northern-iraq-2014-6 |title=Iraqi Officials: We Have Essentially Given Up The North Of The Country |work=Business Insider |date=1 November 2013 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

On 24 June, the Syrian Arab Republic launched its first airstrikes in Iraqi territory after previously targeting Syrian-Iraqi border crossings controlled by ISIL. Syria launched new strikes the next day when at least 50 people were killed and 132 others wounded, including civilians, after missiles launched by Syrian fighters hit a municipal building, a market, and a bank in Al Rutba. It was unclear whether the Syrian fighters actually entered Iraqi territory when they made the airstrikes.

On 25 June, anonymous American officials reported that Iran set up a special control centre at Al-Rasheed Air Base in Baghdad and was flying a "small fleet" of Ababil drones over Iraq, and an Iranian signals intelligence unit had also been deployed at the airfield to intercept electronic communications between ISIL fighters and commanders. 10 divisions of Iranian and Quds Force troops were massed on the Iran–Iraq border and about two dozen Iranian aircraft had been stationed in western Iran.{{cite news|last1=Gordon|first1=Michael R.|last2=Schmitt|first2=Eric|title=Iran Secretly Sending Drones and Supplies into Iraq, U.S. Officials Say|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/26/world/middleeast/iran-iraq.html?_r=0|access-date=26 June 2014|work=The New York Times|date=25 June 2014}} Meanwhile, insurgents overran the Ajeel oil site, east of Tikrit, after the nearby town of al-Alam was seized by the militants and insurgents surrounded on three sides the massive Balad air base, also known as Joint Base Balad and "Camp Anaconda" under U.S. occupation, and struck it with mortars.{{cite web|last=Salman |first=Raheem |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0F00RT20140625 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518181210/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iraq-security-idUKKBN0F00RT20140625 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 May 2017 |title=Militants attack Iraq air base, U.S. advisers arrive |work=Reuters |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/25/isis-threatens-iraq-s-largest-air-base.html|title=ISIS Tries to Grab Its Own Air Force|last=Lake|first=Eli|author2=Josh Rogin|date=25 June 2014|work=The Daily Beast|access-date=26 June 2014}}

{{Main|First Battle of Tikrit}}

On 26 June, government forces launched an airborne assault on Tikrit{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-idUSKBN0F10TF20140626|title=Iraq helicopter crashes in airborne commando assault on Tikrit|date=26 June 2014 |work=Reuters}} and an all-out ground offensive two days later in an attempt to recapture the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/iraqi-forces-reportedly-pull-back-from-tikrit-amid-fierce-fighting-with-isis-militants/|title=Iraqi forces reportedly pull back from Tikrit amid fierce fighting with ISIS militants|date=24 March 2015 |publisher=Fox News}} However, by 30 June the assault had stalled{{cite journal|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2014/0630/Baghdad-s-battle-to-drive-Islamic-militants-from-Tikrit-stalls-as-caliphate-declared|title=Baghdad's battle to drive Islamic militants from Tikrit stalls as caliphate declared (+video)|author=The Christian Science Monitor|journal=The Christian Science Monitor}} and government troops pulled back from Tikrit to the south, after meeting stiff resistance, in an attempt to regroup.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-28077425|title=BBC News – Iraq crisis: Fresh clashes over Tikrit|date=29 June 2014 |publisher=BBC News}}

Also during this time, on the morning of 26 June, militants captured the town of Mansouriyat al-Jabal, which is the home to four natural gas fields,{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/militants-take-iraqi-gas-field-town-reports-of-syria-strikes-on-isis-1.1846180 |title=Militants take Iraqi gas field town, reports of Syria strikes on Isis |newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=27 June 2014}} although government forces managed to recapture the town the next day. They also reportedly recaptured al-Alam.{{cite web|url=http://www.albawaba.com/news/iraq-tikrit-586470 |title=Iraqi forces recapture parts of Tikrit |work=Albawaba |date=27 June 2014}}

On 4 July, the ISIL published a video claiming its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, delivered a sermon for half an hour during Friday prayers at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri Mosul, Iraq. "Iraqi agencies are still investigating the video and comparing it with its intelligence," Iraq's military spokesman, Lt. Gen. Qassim Atta, said on 7 July. On the other hand, the United States "has no reason to doubt" the authenticity of a video that purports to show ISIL leader.{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/inside-story/articles/2014/7/7/isil-s-leader-emergesfromtheshadowswhoisabubakralbaghdadi.html|title=Who is the U.S. targeting in Iraq air strikes?|publisher=Al Jazeera}}[http://www.click2houston.com/news/-No-reason-to-doubt-it-s-al-Baghdadi/26822312 'No reason to doubt' it's al-Baghdadi] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714204959/http://www.click2houston.com/news/-No-reason-to-doubt-it-s-al-Baghdadi/26822312 |date=14 July 2014}}

On 15 July, the military launched a new assault on Tikrit from Awja. However, by the next day, government troops had been repelled and once again retreated. Several security force's vehicles were seen abandoned, with at least one of them burnt out.{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.605472|title=Iraqi forces withdraw from Tikrit as Islamic State advances|author=Raheem Salman and Maggie Fick|date=16 July 2014|work=Haaretz|access-date=30 July 2015}}

On 17 July, insurgents launched an assault on Camp Speicher, near Tikrit,{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/18/4243140/islamic-state-overwhelms-iraqi.html|title=Islamic State overwhelms Iraqi forces at Tikrit in major defeat|work=Miami Herald}} in an attempt to capture the air base. However, by 21 July, the attack had reportedly been repelled.{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2014/07/iraqi_military_says_it_retakes.php|title=Iraqi military says it retakes control of key base in Tikrit|work=Long War Journal|date=21 July 2014 }}

{{Main|Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014)}}

In early August 2014, ISIL launched a new offensive against Kurdish-held territory in northern Iraq and within days captured the town of Sinjar, displacing its Yazidi population. ISIL had also advanced to within 40 kilometers from the Kurdish capital of Erbil. This prompted the United States to start launching air-strikes on advancing ISIL forces.

On 29 June 2014, ISIL announced its name change to the Islamic State and announced the formation of a 'Caliphate', which would include Iraq and Syria, and in theory covers the global Muslim population. They called upon Muslims all over the world to pledge allegiance to their Caliph, Ibrahim Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/isil-declares-new-islamic-caliphate-201462917326669749.html|title=Sunni rebels declare new 'Islamic caliphate'|author=Al Jazeera and agencies}} ISIL claimed to have a plan to take over the city of Arar in Saudi Arabia, which is very close to the Iraqi border.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/01/isis-destroy-kaaba-mecca_n_5547635.html?&ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067|title=Reported ISIS Member Says They Will Destroy The Kaaba In Mecca, 'Kill Those Who Worship Stones'|work=The Huffington Post|date=July 2014 |access-date=30 July 2015}}

In July NBC news reported that disagreements had erupted between ISIL and two large Sunni insurgent groups in Iraq, the Army of the Men of the Naqshbandi Order and 1920 Revolution Brigade, leading to skirmishes between the allies on July. NBC quoted an unnamed senior U.S. counterterrorism official claiming that "the tribal groups do not necessarily follow strict Islamic law the way ISIS does, which naturally leads to conflict".{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/iraq-turmoil/isis-bogged-down-iraq-quarreling-sunni-allies-us-official-n150106|title=ISIS Bogged Down in Iraq, Quarreling With Sunni Allies: US Official|author=Robert Windrem|date=7 July 2014 |publisher=NBC News|access-date=30 July 2015}}

[[File:Iraqi Kurdistan in Iraq (de-facto and disputed hatched).svg|thumb|250px|{{smalldiv|{{legend-line|grey solid 3px|Borders of the Kurdistan Region (disputed)}}}}

{{unbulleted list |style=text-align:left;padding-top:5px;font-size:90%;

|{{legend|#c12838|Kurdistan Region}}

|{{legend|#a72835|Unrecognised incorporated territory}}

|{{legend |#d0676f|Other claimed and controlled territory}}

|{{legend |#dea5a5|Other claimed territory}}

|{{legend |#fefee9|Rest of Iraq}}

}}]]

Masoud Barzani, the leader of the Kurdistan Region expressed on 3 July his will to organize a referendum to push forward the area's independence from Iraq.{{cite web |title=Irak : le président de la région du Kurdistan demande un référendum d'indépendance |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/proche-orient/article/2014/07/03/irak-le-president-de-la-region-kurde-demande-un-referendum-d-independance_4450581_3218.html |website=Le Monde |language=fr |date=3 July 2014}} The Kurdish forces indeed controlled an important area in northern Iraq, outside of ISIL's control, free from the Iraqi government's influence as a result of the ISIL offensive. Israel's prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu declared in June 2014 that his government would support an independent Kurdistan.{{Cite news |url=http://www.volkskrant.nl/vk/nl/2664/Nieuws/article/detail/3680981/2014/06/29/Netanyahu-voor-onafhankelijk-Koerdistan.dhtml |title=Netanyahu voor onafhankelijk Koerdistan |work=ANP |publisher=de Volkskrant |date=29 June 2014 |access-date=13 August 2014|language=nl}}

{{Main|Sinjar massacre|Genocide of Yazidis by the Islamic State|Persecution of Christians by the Islamic State}}

File:Defend International Reaches out to Yazidis.jpg provided humanitarian aid to Yazidi refugees in Iraqi Kurdistan in December 2014.]]

Thousands of Assyrians, Yazidis, Kurds and other ethnic minorities were reportedly massacred by ISIL fighters.{{cite web|last=Hanna|first=Reine|date=June 1, 2020|title=Contested Control: The Future of Security in Iraq's Nineveh Plain|url=https://50f3ad00-5b28-4016-898f-6130d301c97a.filesusr.com/ugd/6ae567_98f8f8912baa40949a18a3a0b717eaea.pdf|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=Assyrian Policy Institute|pages=24}} After the capture of Qaraqosh, the Iraqi city with the largest Assyrian population, on 7 August, thousands fled their homes from the Qaraqosh and Mosul as they were given an ultimatum by the insurgents.{{cite web | url = https://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/07/world/meast/iraq-isis-christian-city/index.html| title = ISIS overtakes Iraq's largest Christian city | last = Castillo | first = Mariano | date = August 9, 2014 | website = CNN | access-date = June 27, 2020}} Assyrians, Yazidis, Kurds and other minorities were massacred by being buried alive, burnt alive, or shot. Women from these groups were raped and killed, or married to ISIL fighters. Many Kurds became frightened that ISIL would perpetrate another massacre similar to the Anfal Genocide.

"Qaraqosh, Tal Kayf, Bartella and Karamlesh have been emptied of their original population and are now under the control of militants", Joseph Thomas, the Arch Bishop of the Iraqi cities of Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah, told AFP. Prior to the offensive, Qaraqosh had an estimated Christian population of about 50,000.

Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako said the ISIL advance into Iraq created a 'humanitarian disaster' and that more than 100,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes. "The churches are occupied and crosses taken down", and more than 1,500 documents had been destroyed, he said.

Around Sinjar, the Peshmerga withdrew from the area without effectively communicating this development to the Yazidi inhabitants,{{cite web|date=June 15, 2016|title="They came to destroy": ISIS Crimes Against the Yazidis|url=https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/HRBodies/HRCouncil/CoISyria/A_HRC_32_CRP.2_en.pdf|access-date=June 27, 2020|page=6}} prompting the locals to flee to the Kurdistan Region after brief clashes with ISIL.{{cite web|last=van den Toorn|first=Christine|date=August 17, 2014|title=How the U.S.-Favored Kurds Abandoned the Yazidis when ISIS Attacked|url=https://auis.edu.krd/iris/staff-publications/how-us-favored-kurds-abandoned-yazidis-when-isis-attacked|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=Institute of Regional & International Studies|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627185938/https://auis.edu.krd/iris/staff-publications/how-us-favored-kurds-abandoned-yazidis-when-isis-attacked|url-status=dead}} NGOs have also accused the Peshmerga of confiscating weapons from the Yazidis.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Crispin|date=2017|title=Wilting in the Kurdish Sun|url=https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/Kurdistan%20report.%20Long.pdf|access-date=June 27, 2020|website=United States Commission on Religious Freedom|page=21}}

Despite the security crisis, Iraq's Parliament was not convened and did not allow Maliki to declare a state of emergency; many Sunni and Kurdish legislators boycotted the session because they opposed expanding the prime minister's powers.

Most Iraqis view the conflict as a partial Sunni uprising, rather than as a simple lunge for power by ISIL.[https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21604627-crisis-iraq-has-roots-going-far-back-history-recently-folly Iraq: How did it come to this?], economist.com.

On 13 June 2014, the highest religious authority for the Shia in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, asked people to fight the Islamic State. According to one of his representatives, Sheikh Abdulmehdi al-Karbalai, he asked for "people who are capable of carrying arms and fighting the terrorists in defense of their country... (to) volunteer to join the security forces to achieve this sacred goal".[http://www.alalam.ir/news/1602448 المرجعية الدينية في العراق تعلن الجهاد الكفائي لقتال الارهابيين] "ان المرجعية الدينية تدعم جهود القوات المسلحة العراقية في التصدي للجماعات الارهابية وتحثها على التحلي بالشجاعة والصبر والبسالة لان الدفاع عن العراق واجب وطني وعلى الجميع الخروج من اجل الدفاع عن العراق".{{Citation|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-violence-idUSKBN0EN0RV20140613 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140613125620/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/06/13/us-iraq-violence-idUSKBN0EN0RV20140613 |url-status=live |archive-date=2014-06-13 |title=Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric issues call to fight rebels |date=13 June 2014 |publisher=Reuters}}

In late June, powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr vowed to "shake the ground" under the feet of the militants, days after fighters loyal to him paraded with weapons in the Sadr City area of north Baghdad, vowing to fight the militant offensive.{{cite web |url=http://news.iafrica.com/worldnews/946081.html |title=Iraq's Sadr vows to battle militants |publisher=iAfrica |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630055437/http://news.iafrica.com/worldnews/946081.html |archive-date=30 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Fugitive Iraq Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, a Sunni who described the fall of Mosul as a "Revolution of the oppressed, downtrodden and marginalized people in Mosul", denied ISIL played a leading role amongst the government's opponents and alleged the militancy against the central government was led by Sunni tribes and disenfranchised Sunnis.{{cite web |author=Category: POLITICS |url=http://www.english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/10123-hashemi-congratulates-the-fall-of-mosul-describe-it-as-revolution-of-the-oppressed |title=Hashemi congratulates the fall of Mosul, describe it as " Revolution of the oppressed" |publisher=English.shafaaq.com |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712091029/http://www.english.shafaaq.com/index.php/politics/10123-hashemi-congratulates-the-fall-of-mosul-describe-it-as-revolution-of-the-oppressed |archive-date=12 July 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.abna.ir/english/service/middle-east-west-asia/archive/2014/06/14/615829/story.html |title=Fugitive veep 'Tariq al-Hashemi ' calls ISIL advance 'Iraqi Spring' – AhlulBayt News Agency – ABNA – Shia News |publisher=Abna.ir |date=19 December 2011 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

Another prominent Sunni, Ali Hatem al-Suleiman (emir of the large Dulaim tribe), claimed "It is the tribal rebels who are in control of the situation in Mosul. It is not reasonable to say that a group like ISIL, which has a small number of men and vehicles, could be in control of a large city like Mosul. Therefore, it is clear that this is a tribal revolution, but the government is trying to force us all to wear the robe of the terrorists and ISIS."{{cite web |last=Moukalled |first=Diana |url=http://www.aawsat.net/2014/06/article55333359 |title=There is a 'tribal revolution' in Iraq: Anbar tribal chief |work=Asharq Al-Awsat |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=22 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722185057/http://www.aawsat.net/2014/06/article55333359 |url-status=dead }}

A member of insurgent held Mosul's governing council, a former colonel in the Ba'ath era military alleged that the opposition to the government was composed of multiple Sunni Arab factions, most of which are led by officers from the disbanded military. The former officer claimed that the various opposition factions were working to minimize ISIL influence and appoint officials capable of restoring services in insurgent held areas.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/06/19/323691052/saddams-ex-officer-weve-played-key-role-in-helping-militants |title=Saddam's Ex-Officer: We've Played Key Role In Helping Militants : Parallels |publisher=NPR |access-date=27 June 2014}}

Kurdish parliamentarian Shoresh Haji stated "I hope that the Kurdish leadership will not miss this golden opportunity to bring Kurdish lands in the disputed territories back under Kurdish control".{{cite web | url = https://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/fall-mosul-what-at-stake-kurds-20146126958946438.html | title = Fall of Mosul: What's at stake for the Kurds?

| last = Goudsouzian | first = Tanya | date = June 12, 2014 | website = Al Jazeera | access-date = July 23, 2020}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/13/world/middleeast/iraq.html | title = Kurdish Fighters Take a Key Oil City as Militants Advance on Baghdad | last = Arango | first = Tim | date = June 12, 2014 | website = New York Times | access-date = July 23, 2020}}

;International bodies

• {{flagu|Arab League|25px}} – On 12 June, Arab League Secretary-General, Nabil al-Arabi condemned what he described as the "criminal activities" committed by ISIL group in Mosul. He emphasized on the necessity of "national consensus in Iraq at this critical time, which threatens Iraq's security and political stability."{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/regions/met/arabicr/2283766.html |title=Arab League chief slams ISIL 'crimes' in Iraq's Mosul |publisher=En.trend.az |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
• {{flagu|United Nations|25px}} – On 10 June, the United Nations' Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, asked all political leaders in Iraq to show national unity against the ISIL offensive, expressed grave concern about the "serious deterioration", and condemned the recent attacks that have left scores dead and wounded in Iraq's northern and eastern provinces. He recalled that all UN Member States have an obligation to implement and enforce the targeted financial sanctions, arms embargo and travel ban imposed on ISIL under the sanctions regime pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1267 (1999) and Security Council Resolution 1989 (2011).{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48007 |title=Iraq: amid rising violence, Ban urges political leaders to show unity in face of threats |publisher=United Nations |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325211828/https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48007#.VRMmKXbP1D8}} It also evacuated its 60 staff members from Baghdad to neighboring Jordan.{{cite web|title=UN evacuates its staff from Baghdad to Jordan amid Crisis in North Iraq|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/un-evacuates-its-staff-from-baghdad-to-jordan-amid-crisis-in-north-iraq/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=17 June 2014}} After ISIL released graphic photographs of its fighters shooting scores of young men, the United Nations said on 16 June, cold blooded "executions" said to have been carried out by militants in northern Iraq almost certainly amount to war crimes.{{cite web|last=Spencer |first=Richard |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10904414/Iraq-crisis-UN-condemns-war-crimes-as-another-town-falls-to-Isis.html |title=Iraq crisis: UN condemns 'war crimes' as another town falls to Isis |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

; U.N. member states

• {{flagu|India|25px}} – On 16 June, Indian External Affairs Ministry condemned the takeover of Iraqi cities like Mosul and Tikrit by ISIL and reiterated its support to the government and the people of Iraq in their fight against international terrorism. It also set up a 24-hour helpline at Indian embassy in Baghdad for assistance of Indian nationals stranded in these cities. It has been reported that 46 Indian nurses were abducted from the Iraqi town of Mosul{{cite web|title=India condemns attacks and Seizure in Northern Iraq by terrorists|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2014/06/india-condemns-attacks-and-seizure-in-northern-iraq-by-terrorists/|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|publisher=news.biharprabha.com|access-date=17 June 2014}} who were later freed and flown back to India.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-28173993|publisher=BBC Asia|title=Indian nurses freed in Iraq given rapturous home welcome|date=5 July 2014|access-date=8 July 2014}}
• {{flagu|Iran|25px}} – On 12 June, the Iranian president, Hasan Rouhani, stated: "For our part, as the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran ... we will combat violence, extremism and terrorism in the region and the world." On 11 June, the Foreign Minister of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, had condemned the "murder of Iraqi citizens" as he offered Iraq's government support against terrorism. However, Iranian officials have not explained how Iran will help Iraq's government.{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/06/iran-vows-combat-terrorism-iraq-2014612113247864941.html |title=Iran vows to combat 'terrorism' in Iraq |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=27 June 2014}} Iran dispatched Revolutionary Guard forces to help Iraq's government recapture Tikrit. Iran sent three battalions of the special operations Quds Force{{cite news|url=https://online.wsj.com/articles/iran-deploys-forces-to-fight-al-qaeda-inspired-militants-in-iraq-iranian-security-sources-1402592470|title=Iran Deploys Forces to Fight al Qaeda-Inspired Militants in Iraq|last=Fassihi|first=Farnaz|date=11 June 2014|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=12 June 2014}} and has sent a total of 2000 men between 12 and 14 June.{{cite news|author=Martin Chulov in Baghdad, and agencies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/14/iran-iraq-isis-fight-militants-nouri-maliki?CMP=fb_gu |title=Iran sends troops into Iraq to aid fight against Isis militants |work=The Guardian | date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} According to Washington Post, any support from Iran will be subtler, confined to military planning and strategy rather than manpower.{{cite news|last=Rezaian |first=Jason |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/irans-role-in-iraq-is-unlikely-to-include-combat/2014/06/20/85795050-305d-4ff3-a821-bdf5269c60bf_story.html |title=Iran's role in Iraq is unlikely to include combat |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
• {{flagu|Russia|25px}} - Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed "full support" to the Iraqi government.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putin-speaks-to-iraqi-pm-expresses-support/2014/06/20/97651afa-f897-11e3-af55-076a4c5f20a0_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702105217/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putin-speaks-to-iraqi-pm-expresses-support/2014/06/20/97651afa-f897-11e3-af55-076a4c5f20a0_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 July 2014|title=Putin speaks to Iraqi PM, expresses support|publisher=The Washington Times|date=20 June 2014|access-date=29 June 2014}} Eight days later, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that "Russia will not stand idle toward attempts by terrorist groups to spread terrorism in regional states" and urged Europe and the United States to take action against ISIL.{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.601726|title=Russia calls on U.S. and Europe to combat Mideast terrorism|work=Haaretz|date=28 June 2014|access-date=29 June 2014}} On 29 June, Russia delivered Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft to the Iraqi Air Force, days after a request by the Iraqi government. Unconfirmed reports suggest that six Sukhoi Su-30 multirole aircraft are to be delivered as well. Photos have appears on Iraqi social media depicting Russian-made rocket artillery TOS-1 arriving in Baghdad.{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/41343/iraq-focuses-on-swift-delivery-of-russian-weaponry|title=Iraq focuses on swift delivery of Russian weaponry|publisher=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly|date=31 July 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802182334/http://www.janes.com/article/41343/iraq-focuses-on-swift-delivery-of-russian-weaponry|archive-date=2 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}
• {{flagu|Syria|25px}} – On 11 June, Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned recent acts of militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant on the territory of Iraq. It also expressed support and solidarity to the Iraqi government in its fight against the armed terrorist groups in Iraq.{{cite web |url=http://www.syriaonline.sy/index.php?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=10555&g=1 |title=Syrian TV – Syria condemns terrorist acts in Iraq, expresses solidarity with Iraqi government, army and people |publisher=Syriaonline.sy |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713080018/http://www.syriaonline.sy/index.php?f=Details&catid=12&pageid=10555&g=1 |archive-date=13 July 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} On 15 June, the Syrian Air Force was carrying out airstrikes on ISIL bases in coordination with Iraq. Airstrikes were carried out against ISIL bases in Raqqa and Al-Hasakah inside Syria, and headquarters in Shaddadi, a town close to the border with Iraq.{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-15/260207-syria-pounds-isis-bases-in-coordination-with-iraq.ashx|title=Syria pounds ISIS bases in coordination with Iraq|work=The Daily Star|date=15 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014|archive-date=17 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617091532/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-15/260207-syria-pounds-isis-bases-in-coordination-with-iraq.ashx|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-15/260207-syria-pounds-isis-bases-in-coordination-with-iraq.ashx |title=Syria pounds ISIS bases in coordination with Iraq |work=The Daily Star |location=Lebanon |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-date=17 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617091532/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Jun-15/260207-syria-pounds-isis-bases-in-coordination-with-iraq.ashx |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2014/0616/Why-ISIS-gains-in-Iraq-are-reshaping-Syrian-regime-s-war-strategy-video |title=Why ISIS gains in Iraq are reshaping Syrian regime's war strategy |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
• {{flagu|Saudi Arabia|25px}} – The Saudi Arabia government said that the tensions there were due to sectarian policies which threatened its stability and sovereignty, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. It warned against foreign intervention and urged Iraqis to form a national unity government.{{cite web|last=Carey |first=Glen |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-15/jihadis-recruitment-drive-in-riyadh-revives-biggest-saudi-threat.html |title=Jihadi Recruitment in Riyadh Revives Saudi Arabia's Greatest Fear |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
• {{flagu|Turkey|25px}} – ISIL captured Ankara's consul general in Mosul and detained 49 Turkish citizens including the Consul-General, Öztürk Yılmaz. It also took hostage 31 Turkish truck drivers. Some reports suggest that the hostages have been moved to the residence of the ISIL-sponsored Mosul governor, in possible preparation for their release. Turkey has called an emergency NATO meeting.

:The hostages were freed in mid September 2014. Turkey denied paying ransom{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-21/271395-erdogan-no-ransom-paid-for-release-of-turkish-hostages-held-by-isis.ashx#axzz3DmiczHPM|title=Erdogan: No ransom paid for release of Turkish hostages held by ISIS|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=29 October 2014}} but prisoner swaps were hinted at.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29322562|title=Turkey hints at Iraq Mosul hostage exchange|date=23 September 2014 |publisher=BBC News|access-date=29 October 2014}} It was later revealed that Turkish authorities had initially paid a certain amount of money to ISIL officials and the hostages were later swapped for 180 militants who had been apprehended or undergoing medical treatment in Turkey.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/10/turkey-iraq-syria-isis-hostages.html|title=Turkey swapped 180 IS militants for 49 hostages|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=2 October 2014|access-date=6 October 2014}}

• {{flagu|United Kingdom|25px}} – On 17 June, Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK would be reopening the British Embassy in Iran in an effort to rebuild the nations' diplomatic relationship to help combat the recent event in Iraq.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-27891624 |title=Cameron committed to 'rebuilding' relations with Iran |publisher=BBC |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} On 18 June, PM Cameron said that he believed ISIL was planning a terror attack on the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-27898724 |title=Iraq crisis: ISIS militants threaten UK, says Cameron |publisher=BBC |date=18 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
• {{flagu|United States|25px}} – On 12 June, U.S. President Barack Obama said he was exploring all options to save Iraq's security forces from collapse, and U.S. companies evacuated hundreds from a major air base. "Our national security team is looking at all the options... I don't rule out anything," he declared. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham warned an ISIL takeover in both Iraq and Syria would create a "hell on earth" and called for the urgent deployment of U.S. air power to "change the battlefield equation".{{cite web|url=http://newsweekpakistan.com/u-s-open-to-all-options-as-isil-rages-in-iraq/ |title=U.S. Open To 'All Options' As Isil Rages in Iraq |date=13 June 2014 |publisher=Newsweekpakistan.com |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:On 13 June, Obama said the United States "will not be sending U.S. troops back into combat in Iraq," but that he would be reviewing a range of other options in coming days. He called on Iraq's neighbors to help out, too, and told the only guarantee of success involved political reforms by al-Maliki that promoted cooperation with Sunnis.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/13/us/iraq-us/ |title=Obama says no combat troops to Iraq; U.S. weighs airstrikes |date=13 June 2014 |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:On 15 June, US government announced that it was drawing down staff at its embassy in Baghdad. Referring to the "ongoing instability and violence in certain areas," a State Department statement said the embassy will also increase the number of security personnel deployed at the heavily guarded mission. A separate Pentagon statement said "a small number" of Defense Department personnel were being sent to augment security at the facility.{{cite news|last=Sly |first=Liz |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/several-kurdish-forces-killed-in-iraq-as-shiites-begin-to-slow-advance-of-isis-fighters/2014/06/15/5b0e015c-f473-11e3-b633-0de077c9f768_story.html |title=U.S. starts removing embassy staff from Baghdad as ISIS grabs Iraqi town of Tal Afar |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=15 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:On 16 June, President Obama notified Congress that a total of 275 U.S. soldiers and Marines could be deployed to Iraq to provide security for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and other U.S. personnel in Iraq. About 160 troops were already in the country and 100 will be stationed as reserve forces in a nearby country to be deployed if needed.{{cite web|last=Pace |first=Julie |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/obama-275-us-forces-deploying-iraq |title=Obama: 275 US forces deploying to Iraq |agency=Associated Press |date=16 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} The special forces team would operate under the U.S. ambassador in Baghdad and would be barred from engaging in ground combat.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/middleeast/la-fg-us-iraq-iran-20140617-story.html#page=1 |title=U.S., Iran discuss possible cooperation against Iraq militants |work=Los Angeles Times |date=17 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:The Guardian reported on 18 June that Dianne Feinstein, the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and John McCain thought Maliki's government should step down. White House spokesman Jay Carney said, "we will aggressively attempt to impress upon that leader the absolute necessity of rejecting sectarian governance". The Secretary of State, John Kerry, stated that Washington was not focused Maliki, but on the Iraqi people. A spokesman for the Nouri al-Malik said he will not stand down.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/19/iraq-maliki-us-strikes-air-isis-sunni |title=Iraq crisis: US 'urging Maliki to resign' – live updates |work=The Guardian |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014|last1=Chulov |first1=Martin |last2=Ackerman |first2=Spencer }}

:As of 19 June, reports emerged suggesting that if the United States carries out airstrikes over Iraq, as requested by the Iraqi government,{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iraq-asks-u-s-for-airstrikes-against-militants-1.2680490 |title=Iraq asks U.S. for airstrikes against militants |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} that Obama may act without congressional approval.{{cite news|author=Agency |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/iraq-crisis-president-obama-can-bypass-congress-over-conflict-9547801.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/iraq-crisis-president-obama-can-bypass-congress-over-conflict-9547801.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Iraq crisis: President Obama can 'bypass Congress' over conflict |work=The Independent |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}} Also on 19 June, Barack Obama announced he is sending up to 300 military advisers to Iraq, and could down the road authorize targeted military action, if necessary. According to CNN, one aircraft carrier and five warships are already positioned in the Persian Gulf, U.S. drones are flying intelligence missions over Iraq and a list of ISIL targets has been compiled.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/19/politics/obama-military-options-iraq/ |title=The good and the bad: President Obama's military options in Iraq |date=19 June 2014 |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:On 23 June, John Kerry met with Nouri al-Malik, Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zibari, and Sunni and Shia leaders in Baghdad. The purpose was to affirm the US commitment to Iraq during the crisis and to discuss the formation of a new government. These meetings occur as ISIL proceeded to capture more territory north and west of the capital.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/23/world/meast/iraq-crisis/ |title=John Kerry arrives in Iraq as more cities fall to ISIS militants |publisher=CNN |access-date=27 June 2014}} Kerry also rejected al-Maliki's request for prompt American airstrikes on the militants' positions in Iraq and Syria, saying that care must be taken before such attacks are launched to avoid giving the impression that the Americans are targeting Sunnis.{{cite web|url=http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/06/23/official-kerry-will-not-ask-iraqi-prime-minister-to-resign-while-in-baghdad/ |title=US Official: 'There's No Magic Airstrike That's Going To Change The Entire Situation' In Iraq |publisher=Washington.cbslocal.com |date=23 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}

:On 8 August 2014, President Obama authorized airstrikes and humanitarian aid to civilians trapped in the mountains, who didn't have access to food or water. He said the move for airstrikes was to stop the advancement of the IS convoys into Erbil. He strongly asserted that the minorities, including the Christians and the Yazidis must be protected from the 'genocide'.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2014/8/7/5981449/president-obamas-full-statement-on-the-iraq-crisis|title=President Obama's full statement on the Iraq crisis |date=8 August 2014|work=Vox}}

On 14 June, Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, chairman of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, described the event as a "national revolution"إن ما يحدث من انهيار شامل ٍلقوى العسكر والأمن والشرطة في العراق لم يأت من فراغ، ولا يمكن أن يفسر إلا على أنه جاء بسبب ثورة ٍشعبية، كما دعا العراقيين جميعاً إلى الإسراع بتأليف [http://www.news-today.co/world/10797.html اتحاد علماء المسلمين برئاسة القرضاوي: ما يحدث في العراق ثورة شعبية] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20140615104606/http://www.news-today.co/world/10797.html |date=15 June 2014 }} He said the insurgency "could not have been led by one Islamist party," a reference to ISIL, instead describing it as a "all-out Sunni revolution" (or "Overwhelming revolution for Sunnah" ) and warned against sectarian war. Calling for the formation of a "national unity government", he said that "this is not a revolution against the Shias".{{cite web|url=http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/134949-sunni-clerics-criticize-iraq-shiite-call-to-arms |title=Sunni Clerics Criticize Iraq Shiite Call to Arms |publisher=Naharnet.com |date=14 June 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}{{cite news |url=https://www.watanserb.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%AF/item/1264-%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%AB-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9.html |title=القرضاوي: ما يحدث في العراق "ثورة عارمة للسنة" ودعوة السيستاني ستقود إلى حرب طائفية |newspaper=Watan |access-date=27 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708035218/https://www.watanserb.com/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%AF/item/1264-%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%AB-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82-%D8%AB%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%AF%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%B1%D8%A8-%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9.html |archive-date=8 July 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}

According to the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, "The Kurds, seeing the Iraqi central regime's weakness, will take all the necessary measures to protect their autonomy and expand their influence to neighboring Syrian Kurdistan. The Kurds understand very well that they could be the next target after the Assyrians and accordingly will preempt any attempt by the jihadists to set foot in their areas. The fall of Mosul could become the beginning of Kurdish quest for independence."{{cite web|author=Col. (ret.) Dr. Jacques Neriah |url=http://jcpa.org/fall-mosul-iraq-jihadists-game-changer/ |title=Jihadists are on the march in Iraq. – Is the Fall of Mosul in Iraq to the Jihadists a "Game Changer"? |date=11 June 2014 |publisher=Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs |access-date=27 June 2014}}

Tirana Hassan, of the Human Rights Watch, reports that Khorasani Brigade, a Shia militia, has ethnically cleansed the village of Yengija, 50 miles south of Kirkuk. The Sunni population was driven from the village and their homes were razed.{{cite web|url=http://www.frbiu.com/updates-1578158115831610157915751578/-the-gangs-of-iraq-by-tirana-hassan|title=The Gangs of Iraq|author=Tirana Hassan|work=Foreign Policy|date=3 November 2014|access-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065159/http://www.frbiu.com/updates-1578158115831610157915751578/-the-gangs-of-iraq-by-tirana-hassan|archive-date=28 January 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

{{Portal|Iraq|Asia|Current events}}

• 2012–14 Iraqi protests
• 2014 Eastern Syria offensive
• Spillover of the Syrian Civil War

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{{reflist|2}}

• [http://understandingwar.org/iraq-blog Iraq updates – Institute for the Study of War]

{{Military intervention against ISIL}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Northern Iraq offensive (2014 06)}}

Category:Conflicts in 2014

Category:2014 in Iraqi Kurdistan

Category:Military operations of the Iraqi Civil War in 2014

Category:Military operations of the War in Iraq (2013–2017) involving the Peshmerga

Category:Military operations of the War in Iraq (2013–2017) involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:Military operations of the War in Iraq (2013–2017) involving the United States

Category:Military operations of the War in Iraq (2013–2017) involving Hezbollah

Category:Battles involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraqi Kurdistan

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Category:History of Diyala Governorate

Category:History of Kirkuk Governorate

Category:21st century in Nineveh Governorate

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Category:June 2014 in Iraq