Irish exploration firm Petroceltic has pulled out of Kurdistan, citing disappointing drilling results and the continuing low oil price environment among its reasons.

Turkey’s top diplomat has announced that his country is helping Iraqi Kurdish fighters cross into Syria to “give support” to fellow Kurds defending the border town of Kobani from Islamic State militants.

Petroceltic International has suspended its Iraqi operations and begun to evacuate "non-essential personnel" from the region on safety grounds.

Tullow Oil has successfully refinanced a large element of debt originally due for repayment this year.