Charles Lister, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institute Doha Center and working in the Middle East is reporting credible sources have declared ISIS' battle for Baghdad has begun. Lister is working to confirm source statements.
Trying to verify - Several well-known Islamic State sources have declared the start of the Battle for #Baghdad. #Iraq
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) August 11, 2014
@intelwire Don’t take as fact yet, but it’s spreading fast. Reports of several car bombs, poss. clashes nr airport. No confirmation though.
— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) August 11, 2014
ISIS is approaching Baghdad from the south as the city struggles to maintain order. Prime Minister Maliki is scheduled to be replaced with Haider al-Abadi and last night Maliki's special forces were deployed as he refused to step down from power and announced plans to sue Iraqi President Fuad Masum.
