The United States military announced on Sunday that it launched air strikes around Iraq's Haditha Dam to target the Islamic State rebels and prevent them from building a stronghold around the dam.

The Pentagon confirmed that there were a total of four air strikes launched on by the U.S. military on Saturday to target the insurgents who are advancing on the dam, in a move to capture it.

Like Us on Facebook

In a statement released by the U.S. Central Command, it stated that the attack was in response to the request of the Iraqi Government.

The government of Iraq has requested the U.S. military forces to attack the Islamic State and help the Iraqi and Syrian forces in defending the Haditha Dam, according to the U.S. Central Command's statement.

In addition, Press Secretary, Rear Admiral John Kirby of the Pentagon added that if the insurgents will take control of the dam, it would lead to a catastrophe.

"It might result in flooding that would have threatened U.S. personnel and facilities in and around Baghdad, as well as thousands of Iraqi citizens," Kirby said.

According to the Iraqi defense ministry, Iraq's military helicopters were also part of the offensive, launching air strikes which targeted the positions of the insurgents around the dam.

Dam's in the Anbar province remains in control of the Iraqi's, according to the U.S. Officials, adding that the offensive was part of an effort to overthrow the insurgents who were trying to take control of key dams all over the country.

The air strikes reportedly destroyed several of the Islamic State's vehicles, a bunker and a checkpoint, according to the Central Command.

The U.S. military's participation in the air strikes came following the insurgents attempt to take control of the Haditha dam in August. The dam had six power generators by the side of Iraq's second largest reservoir.

TagsISIS, Iraq