Iraq government troops have recaptured a Christian region in the north of the country.

Qaraqosh -a town about 20 kilometers southeast of Mosul -- had been under Islamic State control since 2014. Neighboring towns Kar-em-lash and Bartella were also seized.

Iraqi special forces were seen celebrating and Kurdish media showed images of troops holding up ISIL flags left behind by the militants.

In the battle for Mosul city, jihadists unleashed toxic fumes by torching a nearby sulphur plant. Two Iraqi civilians died and many fell ill. US troops at a nearby base had to wear masks. Qayyarah hospital reported at least five hundred people complaining of breathing problems over the past two days. Officials announced Saturday that the fire had been extinguished.