Australian presence in Iraq 'an absolutely critical mission': Abbott

Australian special forces could be in Iraq as early as this week.

Syrian Kurds have fought for weeks to defend the town of Kobani from ISIL.

The terror group has so far proved too strong and if the militants claim the area they will control a large stretch of the border.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott today announced Australian special forces could be on the ground within days.

"It is an absolutely critical mission upon which our forces will be embarked to advise and assist the Iraqi armed forces," he said.

British-operated drones have spotted the ISIL executioner known as "Jihad John" as well as a group of hostages in orange jumpsuits.

But without ground troops, there was little they could do.