The US has offered “intense and sustained support” for Iraq as they attempt to take back control of areas of the country lost Sunni militants in recent weeks.
Islamist militants and Iraqi forces are engaged in fierce battle for control of the Baiji oil refinery and Tal Afar airport in northern Iraq.
The Turkish government has come under fresh criticism for their policy towards the instability in Iraq, where a number of Turkish diplomats have been kidnapped by Islamic militants.
Thousands of families have been forced to flee from Iraq’s second city of Mosul after al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists gained control of the northern city.
12 bombs have exploded across the Iraqi capital of Baghdad over the last two days, killing at least 82 people and leaving scores more injured.