Fall of Hīt (2014)

The Fall of Hit was the capture of the important town of Hit, which cut off the road leading to nearby Haditha.

Events
On October 2, it was reported that a major battle was ongoing in the city in Hit. ISIS claimed they had taken control of the city but pro-government fighters said fighting was ongoing. However, the following day, Iraqi officials said that 90% of the town was not under there control. ISIS flags were reportedly flying on government buildings, including the mayor's office and police station. The assault began after a suicide bomber attacked the city, according to Iraqi officials. They looted many tanks and other military equipment as well. There were also unconfirmed reports that they left the town as a result of coalition airstrikes.

On October 5, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-rigged vehicles into a military checkpoint near the entrance of the city, killing 3 and wounding 5. The suicide bombing took place in the eastern part of the city, and killed Capt. Mohammed Saad as well.

On October 13, ISIS took control of a major military base in the region, after Iraqi forces abandoned it. Coalition airstrikes failed to dislodge the militants, and a large amount of refugees left the town. 50% of the population had fled the town due to the airstrikes as well. They retreated to the Asad Airbase, which included many senior officers among them. ISIS captured more equipment, including 3 tanks and other vehicles.

Refugee crisis
During and after the fighting, many people fled Hit and other places in the Anbar Province. According to UN officals, more than 180,000 people were displaced because the fighting, and many have gone to government-held areas of Ramadi. Many are in need of of food, blankets and medical supplies.

War Crimes
After the fall of the town, ISIS excuted several members of the Albu Nimr tribe, because they had fought aganist them. Many have been abducted from there homes, and there fate is unknown. However, they are widely believed to be dead. A mass grave was discovered outside the city, which had the bodies of 200 people, and an additonal 48 fighters were paraded through the streets before being executed. Despite this, the tribe said they will try to retake the city.