UN chief urges nations to 'act decisively' on Islamic State

Says it is critical to keep at the forefront the protection of civilians

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday urged countries that are capable to take decisive action against Islamic State militants, who have taken over large swaths of Iraq and Syria.

"I ... urge the international community, and those with the means, to act decisively and after sober reflection," Ban told reporters on the subject of Islamic State. "It is critical to keep at the forefront the protection of civilians."