IRAQI forces, backed by US air strikes, have broken through to the besieged Shi’ite town of Amerli, the US said today.

Thousands of people have been trapped in the town for over two months with dwindling food and water supplies.

It is the biggest offensive success for the Iraqi government since Islamic State (Isis) fighters overran large areas of five provinces in June, sweeping security forces aside.

The breakthrough came on Sunday night as the US carried out limited strikes in the area, the first time it has expanded its more than three-week air campaign against militants outside Iraq’s north.

The mainly Shi’ite Turkmen residents of the town in Salaheddin province are endangered both because of their faith, which Isis consider heresy, and their continued resistance, which has drawn harsh retribution by Isis elsewhere.

“Our forces entered Amerli and broke the siege,” Iraqi security spokesman Lieutenant General Qassem Atta confirmed.

Aid began to flow into Amerli yesterday, to the relief of local agencies.

Turkmen Saving Foundation chief Ali al-Bayati said that four lorries loaded with food, medicine and fruit had entered the town.

The aid had been sent by the Iraqi government and the Iraqi Red Crescent, he said, adding that Iraqi government soldiers had begun bringing food to families in their houses on Sunday night.

“The situation is getting back to normal gradually,” said Mr Bayati.

“Some people have come out from their houses and walk in the street.

Shops are still closed, but people are happy to see their city secured.”