falling to the isis militants. the current assessment? the iraqi military will keep control and isis won't risk all-out war. but there is growing worry about the strength of iraqi forces across the country. >> what we really need to see is the army get back on its feet we have folks there trying to help these elite forces do that and retake territory but the situation on the ground is very serious. >> reporter: iraq's massive haditha dam northwest of baghdad may be the most critical target to protect. isis and iraqi units are battling for control of the largest hydroelectric plant in western iraq. the local police chief told cnn government forces are so far holding on to control, but u.s. intelligence is watching closely. if isis seizes the dam, water and power for millions of iraqis is in jeopardy and there's risk of flooding millions of acres.