Iraq forces battle militants as US warns on jihadist threat

SULAIMANIYAH, Aug 22 (AFP): Iraqi forces battled militants northeast of Baghdad Friday, as Washington said a powerful jihadist group was "beyond anything" it has seen and that operations in Syria may also be needed.

Pentagon chiefs warned of the dangers of the Islamic State (IS), a slick, well-funded operation powered by an "apocalyptic end of days" ideology as the West reeled from the grisly execution of American journalist James Foley.

But despite the jihadists' threat to kill a second reporter if it does not halt air strikes, Washington confirmed it had again bombed the militants in northern Iraq.

Iraqi government troops and Kurdish forces launched an operation on Friday aimed at retaking the Jalawla area of Diyala province, northeast of the capital, from militants who seized it on August 11, officers said.

The operation came after Pentagon chiefs said that defeating IS, which spearheaded an offensive that overran swathes of Iraq, will require efforts across the region, including in neighbouring Syria, where the jihadists also control large areas.

"They marry ideology and a sophistication of strategic and tactical military prowess," Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel said of the "barbaric" militants.