Explosions have rocked the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Kirkuk this evening at the same time as the major bombing raid on Baghdad was launched.
The northern Iraqi city of Mosul has been hit by air strikes, al-Jazeera television said in a live report from the city shortly after 6.p.m. (Irish time).
A Reuters correspondent nearby also reported anti-aircraft fire over the city.
Kirkuk, a major oil-producing city also in northern Iraq has also come under fire, according to reports.
At least two big explosions apparently in the centre of the key oil hub were reported and smoke billowed from the city.
The huge explosions and anti-aircraft fire were the second exchange following big bursts of fire earlier. Lights from the city were no longer visible and it was unclear whether that was due to the smoke or damage to electricity supplies.