In the multi-ethnic town of Tuz Khurmatu, nominal allies against IS are turning their guns on each other in another spate of deadly battles.

Dozens of militants are dying every week, sowing paranoia among their ranks. But as the group embeds itself deeper into the city, residents say they are also suffering – from both IS crackdowns and air strikes.

Official tasked with South Oil Company purchasing was murdered in his home, police said.

With the city under siege, an estimated 90,000 residents are threatened by starvation, indiscriminate shelling and IS brutality – and they cannot leave.

Explosion at Khabbaz field sets fire to a minor well, but the attack exposes inadequate protection of northern oil infrastructure.

Attacks in Basra and Dhi Qar highlight the IS group's determination to use asymmetric tactics to strike southern Iraq, despite losses in the north.

As a ground offensive pushes slowly toward Mosul and air strikes intensify, IS militants use residents as human shields and step up executions to stifle internal dissent.