Iraqi Soldiers, Police Drop Weapons, Flee Posts In Portions Of Mosul

(CNN) -- Militants seized control of the airport, TV stations and the governor's offices in Iraq's second-largest city as police and soldiers ran away from their posts Tuesday, a stunning collapse of the security forces that has raised questions about Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's ability to hold the country together.

Thousands of people -- some carrying plastic bags, others pushing carts -- have fled the fighting in Mosul, creating a humanitarian crisis that has caught the government off guard.

The militants are believed to be members of the extremist group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, an al Qaeda splinter group also known by its acronym ISIS. Many foreign fighters are believed to be among their number, senior police officials said.

The fighting that began five days ago culminated with the militants taking control of security checkpoints, military bases and a prison, where they freed up to 1,000 prisoners, authorities said.
Gunman seize Iraqi university
Iraq violence leaves more than 100 dead

In a live national address that aired on Iraqi state television, al-Maliki described the Mosul unrest as a dangerous security situation requiring immediate measures to protect civilians.

more...

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/10/world/meast/iraq-violence/