Former commander of US forces in Iraq David Petraeus says the United States should launch targeted airstrikes against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group in Iraq.
"We must be careful not to take sides if we offer military support. But the growing threat posed by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL) means that military action will be necessary," the retired general told the Daily Telegraph newspaper on Friday.
"We must realize that ISIS poses a threat not only to Iraq but to the UK and other countries as well," he added.
The militants have been wreaking havoc in Iraq over the past days. This has forced the Iraqi government to call for US help in its fight against the Takfiri militants.
"It seems to be much more than a terrorist group: it seems to be turning into a terrorist army, one that has acquired vast financial resources from looting banks and other criminal enterprises," Petraeus said.
"If President Obama and other leaders conclude that the threat posed by ISIS is significant then I would support actions to target high-value ISIS elements."
"If ISIS is seen as a terrorist organization with the potential to engage in terrorist acts beyond the Middle East, then that could warrant the targeting of high value targets," he said.
President Obama said he was reviewing military options to help the Iraqi government fight the militants.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon ordered three warships to move into the Persian Gulf to provide Obama with options should he decide to launch airstrikes against the militants.
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