IRAQ:
In an attempt to flee northern Iraq, Islamic State (IS) fighters have shaved their beards and dressed like women, Iraqi forces claimed.
A series of pictures have emerged, showing men wearing dresses and make-up in a bid to leave behind their lives as IS fighters.
The photographs first emerged on Instagram and showed authorities pulling back the veils and burkas worn by young boys and men with mustaches.
Captions in Arabic accompanying the pictures indicated that the pictures were taken in northern Iraq’s Baiji area. Iraqi forces have fought a non-stop battle of attrition around an oil refinery supported by American air strikes.
Iraqi Defence Minister Khaled al Obedi said the battle to recapture the key city of Tirkit could be a decisive turning point in the war.
IS militants are defending the area with roadside bombs and frequent suicide attacks however, over 20,000 Iraqi troops continue to make gains.
If they are successful in taking Tikrit, it will put them in a good position for the looming battle over Mosul according to sources.
