ISIL

Once the capital of an empire stretching across the ancient Middle East, Nimrud was looted and ransacked by the militants.

IBTimesUK reports from frontline where Islamic State open fire on residents as they flee but Iraqi artillery and air strikes 'have killed dozens'.

Many of the women have lost families in the fighting and some were taken as sex slaves.

One of six bombers detonated his suicide belt in a house after five others were shot dead by security forces.

The village, the remains of an Assyrian city, is located 30km south of Daesh-controlled Mosul.

Nine cars were deployed in suicide bomb attacks and 30 Isis militants were killed.

UN urged Iraqi government to restore rule of law as soon as possible to prevent revenge attacks.

The human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on Iraqi authorities to investigate the abuses.

A forensics team from Baghdad will investigate the bodies after the discovery near Hammam al-Alil.

Tensions are high as Arab and Kurdish military forces don't want Turkey to interfere in the campaign.

The army took control of the eastern neighbourhood of Gogjali, about 8km from the city centre.

The veteran war reporter is notorious for his friendly relationship with Islamist groups.

The troops are about 3km away as they advance under heavy fire.

Both Iraqi and Kurdish forces have been criticised for their heavy-handed treatment of suspects.

General Joseph Votel says Isis still has a heavy presence around Iraq's second city.

The operations to retake the Isis-controlled city will begin while the Islamists are under attack in Mosul.

Elite Iraqi forces are clearing areas retaken from Isis since the beginning of Mosul offensive

Isis fighters distrust civilians with armed training as they attempt to crush any possible resistance.

An investigation carried out by the group suggests coalition forces failed to protect civilians.

The UN human rights staff received reports of extrajudicial killings and summary executions in the Mosul area.

Isis has said its suicide bombers used assault rifles and grenades over the course of a four-hour assault.

A US military spokesman said the fighting is ongoing as Iraqi forces send reinforcements.

Human Rights Watch calls for an investigation to identify those responsible for the strike.

One refugee claimed families were thrown out of their tents while they were still in them.

Iraqi forces scour derelict buildings for Isis fighters still hiding out in the towns.

The Arabic 'meem' symbol spray-painted on Mosul's walls is the most visible sign of resistance to Isis rule.

Defiant Alghad Radio connects the people trapped inside Mosul with the outside world.

Ten gunmen from the group boarded the ship, kidnapping its captain and one crew member.

Fighting is concentrated on a cluster of uninhabited towns and villages littered with roadside bombs planted by Daesh.

Julian King says EU must secure border against returning Isis fighters.