US calls for allies in battle against IS militants

The United States said it had created a "core coalition" to battle Islamic State militants in Iraq, calling for broad support from allies and partners around the world but ruling out committing ground forces.

President Barack Obama sought to use a Nato summit in Wales to enlist allied support in a campaign to destroy the Islamist militants but as the summit drew to a close it remained unclear how many nations might join Washington in air strikes.

US secretary of state John Kerry and defence secretary Chuck Hagel told foreign and defence ministers from 10 nations at a hastily arranged meeting that there were many ways they could help, including training and equipping the Iraqis.