Iraq's prime minister halts airstrikes in civilian areas

Iraq's new Shiite prime minister has ordered the country's air force to halt bombardments of civilian areas. The move is part of an effort to gain support from Sunnis in the fight against "Islamic State" (IS) militants.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Saturday he had ordered an end to air strikes in populated areas to protect civilians and minimize casualties.

"I have ordered the Iraqi Air Force to halt shelling of civilian areas even in those towns controlled by ISIS," Abadi said on Twitter, referring to "Islamic State" (IS) by its former name.  dw de