ISIL flags were reportedly flying on government buildings, including the governor's office and police station.

[5] 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.

[7] On October 13, ISIL 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 number of refugees had to flee the town.

A mass grave was discovered outside the city, which had the bodies of 200 people, and an additional 48 fighters were paraded through the streets before being executed.