Iraq battles IS

A series of bombs in Baghdad killed at least 29 people on April 17. The bombs targeted public areas, including two outdoor markets, a car dealership and a café. As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombs, but the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) is suspected.

Since a US-led program of air strikes began against IS locations in Iraq in August 2014, IS is estimated to have lost around 25% of the territory it controlled in Iraq, amounting to over 5,000 square miles. Areas regained by Iraqi forces include Mosul Dam and Tikrit. In response, IS stepped up its assault on the Iraqi city of Ramadi, which at press time was still held by Iraqi forces.

In Syria, territory that has been under IS control remains so.