Change strategy to defeat IS: Iraq to US-led coalition

Iraq called on the US-led coalition on Friday to change its strategy against the Islamic State (IS) in its bid to defeat the terror group.

After IS took control of Ramadi city in north Iraq, there is an immediate need at the present time for changing the coalition's strategy, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Mutlek told Xinhua news agency during the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea, Jordan.

"We need immediate intervention before the entire Anbar province falls in the hands of the IS," he said.

On Thursday, the IS took control of Ramadi, the capital of Iraq's largest province of Anbar.

The Iraqi official called for immediate Arab intervention to put an end to the IS.

He added that Jordan can play a key role in defeating the IS, which is close to the kingdom's border.

"The situation is serious. We welcome Jordan's help as the Jordanian army has great capabilities that can be a turning point in defeating the IS," he said.

The official added that more support was needed for the Iraqi army to be able to restore stability in the country.

Jordan is part of a US-led coalition fighting the IS. The coalition includes several Arab and Western countries.