DHAKA: Islamic State militants withdrew on Saturday from the perimeter of Iraq’s biggest oil refinery after months fending off government troops seeking to retake the strategic complex.

An army officer and Al-Hadath television station, reports The Jerusalem Post.

The officer, speaking to the media from the Baiji refinery, said the Sunni insurgents removed roadside bombs they had planted and fled.

Al-Hadath said security forces had entered the compound.

BDST: 2030 HRS, NOV 15, 2014