Iraq: Hundreds hospitalised after IS torches sulphur plant near Mosul

Retreating forces of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS/ISIL) set fire to the Mishraq sulphur plant near Mosul on Friday, with Iraqi workers seen attempting to extinguish the fires on Monday. Hundreds of people have been treated at the nearby Qayyarah central hospital with respiratory problems over the weekend. At least two people reportedly died from inhaling the toxic fumes.
A cloud of white smoke spread over a 5 km-radius (3.10 mile) area around the plant and mingled with black fumes from oil wells the IS militants had torched to cover their retreat.
Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the military operation to liberate the country's second largest city from IS who captured Mosul in 2014. The offensive is now spearheaded by the Iraqi army and Kurdish militia, supported by the coalition led by the United States.