US to deploy special forces to Iraq and Syria to fight IS

The White House insists putting US troops on the ground is not the answer to defeating Islamic State militants, but on Tuesday the US Defence Secretary revealed plans to do just that.

Ashton Carter told Congress that more US special forces will be sent to Iraq and into Syria to battle Islamic State fighters.

He wouldn't reveal the exact number, but said the troops would conduct raids and gather intelligence.

The move comes as the UK parliament prepares to vote on whether to join air strikes in Syria, as the BBC's Gary O'Donoghue reports.