Islamic State: Key Iraqi town of al-Baghdadi falls to jihadists

The US has confirmed that Islamic State militants have captured the town of al-Baghdadi in western Iraq, close to a US military base.

Rear Admiral John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesman, said it was the first time in the last couple of months that the militant group had taken new ground.

''They certainly did get to the perimeter of the base,'' he said.

''It's important to make clear that they were immediately engaged by members of the Iraqi army.''