1,500 more US troops for Iraq

President Barack Obama has authorised the US military to deploy up to 1,500 more troops to Iraq as part of the mission to combat the Islamic State group.

Mr Obama is also asking Congress for more than US $5 billion to help fund the fight.

The White House said the troops will not serve in a combat role but will train, advise and assist Iraqi military and Kurdish forces fighting IS.

Mr Obama has also authorised the additional personnel to operate at Iraqi military facilities outside Baghdad and Erbil, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. Until now, US troops have been operating a joint operation centre set-up with Iraqi forces there.

The announcement is part of a US $5.6 billion funding request to Congress and came just after Mr Obama met with congressional leaders.