Islamic State: Kurdish forces capture Iraq villages
Craig TaylorKurdish forces battling so-called Islamic State take several villages from the militants near Mosul, the last big city the group holds in Iraq. BBC News – Middle East
Middle East
Syria rebels ‘cut off IS escape route’ through Manbij
Kurdish and Arab fighters say they have liberated the north Syrian town of Manbij from so-called Islamic State, cutting off its route to Europe. BBC News – Middle East
Syria conflict: Aleppo ‘chlorine gas attack’ investigated
The UN is investigating evidence of a toxic gas attack on the Syrian city of Aleppo, as footage of people being treated for breathing difficulties emerges. BBC News – Middle East
Hospital fire kills 12 premature babies in Iraq
At least 12 premature babies have been killed in a fire at a hospital in Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, the country’s health ministry says. BBC News – Middle East
Syria Aleppo: Jets pound rebels in key city
Rebel factions who claim to have made gains in Syrian city of Aleppo come under intense air bombardment from pro-government forces. BBC News – Middle East
Syria rebels ‘break government siege’ of Aleppo
Rebel groups in Syria say they have broken a government siege of the crucial northern city of Aleppo but the army says it has pushed them back. BBC News – Middle East