New Zealanders are advised to leave Iraq if they have safety concerns.
Baghdad International Airport. Photo: AFP
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it advised New Zealanders against all travel to Iraq and recommends people leave if they were worried about their safety.
Islamist forces reported to be within 25 km of Baghdad's International Airport.
Australian officials were also urging any Australians to leave Iraq as soon as possible while the airport is still open.
A commander of the Kurdish militia defending the northern Syrian town of Kobane says Islamic State fighters have been driven from all but two areas.
Prime Minister John Key now acknowledges New Zealand is in a broader coalition of countries opposed to Islamic State (IS) after yesterday denying it was the case. Audio
The Labour Party is questioning Prime Minister John Key's assurance that New Zealand's attendance at a meeting of international defence chiefs in the US is just business as usual. Audio
US-led forces have stepped up air strikes against Islamic State fighters threatening the Syrian town of Kobane, but President Barack Obama has predicted a "long-term campaign" against IS.
A triple suicide bombing in the Kurdish town of Qara Tapah has killed at least 50 people. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
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