Aid groups prepare for chemical warfare

The International Organisation for Migration has said it is procuring gas masks in preparation for possible chemical weapons attacks by Islamic State fighters in Mosul, following attacks on Peshmerga fighters several weeks ago.

Separately, the International Committee for the Red Cross says it is seeking to establish contact with IS in the city to urge it to uphold the 'basic rules of war' and ensure humane treatment of civilians.

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Iraq has repeatedly warned the battle for Mosul could spark a humanitarian catastrophe, with hundreds of thousands of people forced from their homes or used as human shields, and has said a "worst case scenario" could involve the use of chemical weapons.