IS launches offensive on 'oil-producing' Kirkuk

The Islamic State (IS) has reportedly launched an offensive on the oil-producing northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk.

The IS fighters have seized control of Maktab Khalid, an area southwest of the city, following fierce clashes with Kurdish Peshmerga troops, reported the CNN.

The highest-ranking operational commander of the Peshmerga brigade in Kirkuk, Brigadier General Shirko Fateh, was among those dead.

There had been recent speculations that the IS may target Kirkuk in order to force Kurdish troops to divert their efforts away from Mosul, the group's stronghold in Iraq. Peshmerga fighters had moved in around the outskirts of Mosul, aided by coalition air strikes.

The terror group has previously held areas on the outskirts of Kirkuk but not the central city.