Iraqi troops have pushed deeper into Mosul after a two-week lull in the operation to retake the Islamic State-held city.

Iraqi forces have retaken 40 villages from Islamic State near Mosul since a massive operation to drive the militants from the city began last week, the US military said.

The UN children's fund has issued a stark warning to Iraqi troops and Islamic State militants to spare thousands of youngsters trapped by the battle for Fallujah.

Islamic State fighters are slowing down the advance of Iraqi forces in the militant-held city of Ramadi, a senior commander has said.