A news agency that supports the so-called Islamic State have confirmed a senior commander of the terrorist group, Abu Omar al-Shishani, has been killed in combat.

The Pentagon said it had killed al-Shishani during an air strike in Syria in March, but this was the first time the group confirmed his death.

The Amaq news agency said he was killed in combat in the Iraqi city of Shirqat, south of Mosul.

It was not clear when he died.

Supporters of al-Shishani have exchanged notes of praise on social media, and pledged to launch a fresh offensive in his honour.