Iraqi city freed of Islamic State siege after six weeks

With the aid of American air power, Iraqi security forces have broken the six-week siege of the town of Amerli in northern Iraq.

The town had been under the control of Islamic State terror fighters who threatened to slaughter thousands of Shia Turkman residents.

The air strikes were coordinated with drops of much-needed supplies after the militants cut off the town’s food and water.

It comes as the terror group released another gruesome video on social media – this time showing a captured soldier decapitated.

Pressure is mounting on US President Barack Obama as to whether America will expand its air strikes.

Secretary of State John Kerry today called for world-wide support, but Republican Senator John McCain said the Islamic State militants have to be confronted in both Syria and Iraq.

“We have to defeat ISIS, not contain, not stop, but defeat ISIS, because they are a direct threat, over time, to the United States of America,” Mr McCain said.

America’s role in Libya is also under renewed scrutiny.

Islamist militia known as the Dawn of Libya have stormed the residential annex of America’s empty embassy in Tripoli, a month after diplomats fled in the face of mounting violence.

As militant groups fight for control, three years after dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown with the support of the US, the country continues to descend into violent chaos.