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.
01:12
Ethiopia and Eritrea trade war accusations as regional conflict threatens to escalate
01:00
Ethiopian drones strike Eritrean forces near Adigrat
00:52
Ethiopian forces recapture Mekelle airport from Tigrayan fighters
00:57
Loud explosions heard Yemeni capital amid reports of Saudi strikes
01:12
Fuel shortage in Sudan drives up prices, burdening ordinary people
01:12
Ethiopia: federal forces advance in Tigray as 52 civilians reported killed