Iraqi Kurdish fighters intensified its offensive against the Islamic militants following their victory of retaking control of Iraq's largest dam. The Kurds had help from the United States and Iraqi forces.

Days of heavy assaults against the Jihadists fighters in the Mosul dam led to militants' initial retreat in the area as the U.S. mobilizes its combat team with aerial support.

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While the Islamic State remains in control of large swathes of northern and western Iraq, the latest development is seen as a vital step to counter the militants, considering the dam's strategic importance.

The wide dam, spanning up to the Tigris River in Mosul, is now "fully liberated," Army spokesperson Lt. Gen Qassim al-Moussawi told the Associated Press. He added that government forces have hoisted the Iraqi flag in the area as a sign of control.

A joint Iraq and U.S. operation launched at least nine air strikes on Saturday, and was followed by a deadly assault the following day with 16 strikes, destroying 10 militants armed vehicles, several armored personnel carriers, and a checkpoint, AFP detailed.

Kurdish fighters, on the other hand, mostly fought on the ground, and vowed to continue with its operation to stop the advance of the Islamic State in northern Iraq that killed hundreds of Iraqi religious minorities and forced about 1.5 million people to flee their areas.

The fighting continued in the nearby facilities and areas on Monday, with the joint government forces intensifying its crackdown against the Jihadists who declared a caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Meanwhile, Britain confirmed that it is joining the armed battle in Iraq with its warplanes initially flying into the war-torn country to help the government forces.

Defense Secretary Micheal Fallon said Britain will step up its engagement in Iraq. "This is not simply a humanitarian mission," he said, according to The Guardian.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said its army should be prepared for deployment to augment the Iraqi government and Kurdish fighters to stop the violence.

Germany also said it is considering the request of the Kurdish fighters for weapon and ammunition supply, though no assurance was made.

These military efforts came after the European Union allowed its member-nations to send aid to Iraq, joining the U.S. in its attempt to stop the armed conflict, which U.S. President Barack Obama said could lead to "genocide" of Iraqi religious minorities.

TagsIraq, Kurdish fighters