Conflicting Claims Mark Fighting In Iraq

Iraqi and Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State claim they have retaken the dam at Mosul, which was captured by the Sunni-led militant group two weeks ago.

The dam is crucial, strategically, because it provides much of Iraq's water and electricity. And if it was destroyed, it would flood the city of Mosul and other parts of Iraq.

But the Islamic State says it is still in control of the facility.

The BBC's Jim Muir is in Irbil, and tells Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson, "I think we can't be totally sure until we see pictures of them actually standing on it and saying here we are."

Note: This BBC interview can be heard in the Here & Now podcast or with the WBUR app.