US launches airstrikes around vital Iraq dam

The US military says it has launched airstrikes around Haditha dam in western Iraq, targeting Islamic State (IS) insurgents for the first time in the area as the group tries to capture the vital dam.

Officials said that while the Anbar province dam remains in control of the Iraqis, the US offensive is an effort to beat back militants who have been trying to take over key dams across the country.