Mosul battle: IS launches Iraq counter-attack at Kirkuk

Islamic State, IS, militants have raided government buildings in and around the Iraqi city of Kirkuk.
 
Iraqi media reported that suicide bombers had attacked police stations and a power station, but added that security forces had repelled the assaults. 

A news agency affiliated to IS claimed its fighters had broken into Kirkuk's town hall and seized a central hotel. 

The attacks come as Iraqi pro-government forces continue an offensive to retake IS-held Mosul, to the north. 

IS militants are reported to have set fire to a chemical plant south of Mosul as they retreated yesterday.

BBC