DHAKA: Iraqi forces have reached the besieged town of Amerli in northern Iraq, where thousands have been trapped by jihadists.

The military officials confirmed the matter which reports the BBC.

The apparent breakthrough came amid fresh US air strikes on Islamic State (IS) positions. Fifteen IS fighters are said to have been captured.

The UK, France and Australia joined the US in dropping humanitarian aid.

Some 15,000 minority Shia Turkmen in Amerli have been surrounded by Islamic State militants for two months.

Military sources told the BBC’s Jim Muir, who is a few miles from Amerli, that the Iraqi Army and volunteer militia entered the town on Sunday and had broken the siege.

However Amerli remains dangerous because of roadside bombs left behind by IS militants, he said.

BDST: 1015 HRS, SEP 1, 2014