Iraqi forces capture key sites from Kurds outside Kirkuk (file photo)

Iraqi government forces have captured key installations outside the disputed city of Kirkuk from Kurdish fighters, An Iraqi military statement said.

It is also said that units had taken control of a military base, an oil and gas field, and a state-owned oil company's offices. Baghdad said the Peshmerga had withdrawn "without fighting", but clashes were reported south of Kirkuk, which escalate a crisis triggered by last month's independence referendum.