Iraqi security forces have regained full control of the western town of Rutba, after it was attacked by Islamic State militants two days earlier.

Seeking to draw the attention of Iraqi security forces away from the key city of Mosul, ISIL struck Rutba and Kirkuk -- which is further to the north -- in recent days. The jihadists executed five Iraqis in Rutba, and killed at least 46 in Kirkuk.