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Iraqi forces reach jihadist-besieged town of Amerli

Iraqi forces have broken through the Islamic State-besieged town of Amerli where thousands of people were trapped for over two months, according to news agency AFP.

Security spokesman Lieutenant General Qassem Atta told AFP: "Our forces entered Amerli and broke the siege".

RAF transport planes took part in a humanitarian air drop to the town last night, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.

US aircraft also launched airstrikes against IS fighters near the besieged town.

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US airstrikes back up humanitarian drops in Iraq

The Pentagon's Press Secretary has tweeted that US aircraft have been conducting airstrikes to support humanitarian air drops in the Iraqi town of Amerli.

The town north of Baghdad has been besieged by Islamic State fighters in recent weeks.

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