Obama cuts short his holiday for security confab on Iraq

US President Barack Obama curtailed his vacation Monday to lead a conference of his security aides on US strategy for Iraq in the White House. The Pentagon reported that more US air strikes had been conducted on Islamist positions near the Mosul Dam. The assault was described as a “mix of US fighters, bombers and drone aircraft” which "damaged six armed vehicles." Some observers report Washington is reluctant to extend its military intervention in Iraq. However, the outcome of the White House discussion is still awaited. The IS earlier denied Iraqi TV claims that the Kurdish and Iraqi forces had retaken the Mosul dam.