DHAKA: Islamist-led militants have invaded Iraq’s biggest oil refinery, after pounding it with mortars and machine guns from two directions.

An official quoted by media said the militants now controlled 75% of the Baiji refinery, 210km north of Baghdad, reports the BBC.

Government forces have made new air strikes on militants advancing towards the capital.

Fighting is also reported in the western city of Ramadi.

The government is battling to push back ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and its Sunni Muslim allies in Diyala and Salahuddin provinces, after the militants overran the second city, Mosul, last week.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appeared on television with Sunni Muslim and Kurdish leaders on Tuesday to issue a call for national unity in the face of the advance, they demanded that non-state forces lay down their arms.

BDST: 1659 HRS, JUNE 18, 2014