DHAKA: Iraq was massing forces Wednesday for an operation to break a two-month jihadist siege of the town of Amerli amid growing fears for residents short of food and water.

Thousands of Shia militiamen from groups including Asaib Ahl al-Haq and the Badr Organisation are gathering in the Tuz Khurmatu area of Salaheddin in preparation for a battle to break the siege, a civilian volunteer commander said.

And an army lieutenant general said that security forces were mobilising in the Jabal Hamreen area, to the south of Amerli, to attack from the southern flank.

Iraqi aircraft have being targeting Islamic State (IS) jihadist positions around Amerli, and carried out nine strikes on Tuesday, an officer said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1842 HRS, AUG 27, 2014