Iraq PM rejects US direct intervention

Al-Abadi told Australian Defense Minister David Johnston in Baghdad that the presence of any foreign troops in Iraq to combat the militants amounts to intervention in the country.

"Abadi renewed rejection of any ground intervention in Iraq," a statement from Abadi's office quoted him as saying.

The remarks come as United States and France has carried out airstrikes against ISIL positions in the country.

Washington says it will not deploy further troops to Iraq, but sent hundreds of military personnel to Iraq in June for tasks such as advising local forces.

US Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has recently said American forces may be needed on the ground should all else prove effective.