激进分子袭击伊拉克主要炼油厂

Sunni Islamist militants have attacked Iraq's main oil refinery, causing damage to the site in the latest stage of a surge that has included seizing territory across northern Iraq.
 
The militants clashed with security forces at the refinery Wednesday in Baiji, which is located about halfway between Baghdad and Mosul.  Militants took control of Mosul last week.
 
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged Wednesday that his majority Shi'ite country would do whatever is necessary to protect Shi'ite holy sites in Iraq from what he called "terrorists."
 
Also Wednesday, U.S. President Barack Obama is due to host congressional leaders to discuss the situation in Iraq and possible responses to the militant advances.
 
The White House meeting comes as Mr. Obama considers a range of possibilities including assistance to Iraqi security forces and carrying out airstrikes, while stressing the need for political unity.