Islamic State crisis: Thousands flee Iraqi advance on Tikrit

Islamic State crisis: Thousands flee Iraqi advance on Tikrit, A military operation to retake the Iraqi city of Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) has caused about 28,000 people to flee their homes, the UN says.

Those displaced are headed towards the city of Samarra, the UN said, but many families are stranded at checkpoints.

Aid convoys carrying relief supplies are being sent to the area by UN agencies to help those affected.

The operation to retake Tikrit, involving some 30,000 soldiers and Shia militiamen, is now in its fourth day.Read More