Islamic State militants thrive in large security gaps across northern Iraq, moving freely among villages, shopping for supplies, and using threats to enforce compliance.

The government cannot control large swaths of territory, as Islamic State insurgents solidify footholds and launch attacks targeting security forces and energy infrastructure.

With rival armed forces massed near strategically important oil assets, federal and KRG negotiators are at an impasse.

A new armed group has appeared in northern Iraq, causing locals to fear that IS is regrouping and re-branding for guerrilla warfare.