17 killed in battles near Iraq's Baiji refinery

Seventeen people were killed in Iraq yesterday in clashes between Islamic State militants and pro-government forces in Baiji close to the country's biggest refinery, a focal point in efforts to counter the ultra-hardline Sunni group. Fighting yesterday took place on a road used by Islamic State for supply lines leading from Baiji to the nearby town of Siniya to the west. Twelve militants, two government soldiers and three members of Shi'ite militias that provide vital support for the army were killed, a senior regional security official said.