Iraq conflict: Militants 'seize' city of Tal Afar

Sunni militants have seized the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar, the BBC reported.  

Militants led by ISIS - the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - captured key cities including Mosul and Tikrit last week, but some towns were retaken.

UN Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos said there were reports of "major human rights violations", including summary executions of civilians.

The US says it may use drone strikes to halt the militants' advance.

"They're not the whole answer, but they may well be one of the options that are important," said US Secretary of State John Kerry.

"When you have people murdering, you have to stop that. And you do what you need to do if you need to try to stop it from the air or otherwise."

Mr Kerry added that his country was also open to holding direct talks with Iran over Iraq.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani earlier said he would consider co-operation if the US took action.

Fighting in Tal Afar began on Sunday, with mortar shelling of some districts as militants tried to enter the city.

Tal Afar, which has a mixed Sunni and Shia population, some ethnic Turkmen, lies between Mosul and the border with Syria.

A resident reached by phone has told the Associated Press news agency that militants in pick-up trucks mounted with machine guns and flying black jihadi banners were roaming the streets as gunfire rang out.

"Residents are gripped by fear and most of them have already left the town to areas held by Kurdish security forces," said Hadeer al-Abadi, as he prepared to head out of town with his family.