Iraq
Iranian-backed Shia militia groups in Iraq say they have launched an offensive against ISIL strongholds west of Mosul.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces are heading north towards Tal Afar, a town with a Shia majority before the self-proclaimed Islamic State overran it in 2014.
Lying near Turkey, the area has a sizeable Turkmen population and the operation could raise concern in Ankara.
The forces leading the assaults to retake Mosul hope to cut off the route to Syria by besieging the city from all sides.
Some 40km to the south, Iraqi Armed forces and police claim to have retaken the town of Al Shura, a main defensive point for ISIL.
A number of jihadist fighters were reportedly arrested or killed in the offensive.
02:05
Southern Lebanon's displaced Shiites fear return of old divisions
01:11
Tigrayan forces preparing offensive against federal gov, Addis Ababa warns
01:08
'Fire of Ebola' dying down Uganda's President Museveni tells the nation
00:57
Nigerian army frees 360 people abducted by Boko Haram
01:48
Ethiopia's opposition brace for ruling party election landslide
02:15
Former Ivorian president condemns imprisonment of political activists