Iraqi security forces battled militants with the self-proclaimed Islamic State Thursday inside Iraq’s largest oil refinery. The United States has been conducting airstrikes in the area around the Baiji refinery. Meanwhile, a top Iraqi military official told the Associated Press Iraqi forces have managed to take control of an area south of the refinery, securing the towns of al-Malha and al-Mazraah. The fierce fighting came as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi continued his visit to Washington, meeting with Vice President Joe Biden. Biden pledged to seek a “strategic partnership” with Iraq.

Vice President Joe Biden: “And, Mr. Prime Minister, we stand with you and your government, ready to help and unite Iraq, but you are a sovereign nation, a sovereign government, and we are here to offer what you may want. It’s for you to decide what we have to offer, whether it’s of value.”