Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki: Mosul capture a conspiracy

The Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has blamed the fall of the Iraqi city of Mosul on a conspiracy.

Half a million people have fled the northern city after it was captured by jihadists from the ISIS group.

ISIS fighters say they control the surrounding province of Nineveh and are advancing into other areas.

Speaking at a news briefing PM Nouri Maliki insisted the government would "kick out those criminals and those who have helped them".