Combing operations are under way to clear the city of land mines and extremist sleeper cells, a commander with US-backed Syrian forces has said.

Much has been made in the media and by western leaders – most recently taoiseach Enda Kenny - of the so-called Islamic States’ unpleasant habit of beheading prisoners and destroying ancient monuments.

Islamic State militants have killed at least 500 members of Iraq’s Yazidi ethnic minority during their offensive in the north, Iraq’s human rights minister told Reuters yesterday.

President Mary McAleese is continuing her state visit to Malaysia, where she hopes to dispel any belief that all western countries are distrusting of Islamic states.

Two speakers at a pro-Muslim rally have been arrested after their supporters clashed with Right wing protesters.