AP Exclusive: Iraq oil fires could jeopardize Mosul mission

FILE – In this Aug. 31, 2016 file photo, Iraqi firefighters battle large fire at oil wells as they trying to prevent the flames from reaching the residential neighborhoods in Qayara, Iraq. A fire at one of Iraq’s major oil fields could hinder military and humanitarian efforts as operations to recapture the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul get under way. Black smoke continues to billow into the air from the Qayara oil field, damaged by IS militants last month as they fled the town. There are slow-going Iraqi efforts to contain the fires, but smoke and toxic fumes continue to pollute the air in the area. (AP Photo, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — A fire at one of Iraq’s major oil fields could hinder military and humanitarian efforts as operations to recapture the Islamic State stronghold of Mosul get under way.

Black smoke continues to billow into the air from the Qayara oil field, damaged by IS militants last month as they fled the town. There are slow-going Iraqi efforts to contain the fires, but smoke and toxic fumes continue to pollute the air.

The U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq, Lise Grande, said that “stabilizing Qayara can’t wait.”

She told The Associated Press that “everything for the Mosul operation hinges on Qayara,” noting that it’s the staging ground for military forces and the town is where about a third of the 1 million people who are expected to flee Mosul will go.