Don't join the jihad - UN

The United Nations Security Council has demanded all states act to prevent their citizens joining jihadists in Iraq and Syria.

At a meeting chaired by US President Barack Obama the council unanimously adopted a binding resolution compelling countries to prevent and suppress recruitment and travel of militant fighters to foreign conflicts, the Guardian reports.

The UN action was prompted by the rise of Islamic State (IS) which Mr Obama described as a "network of death". He urged more countries to back a US-led campaign against the militants in Iraq and Syria.

The US launched air raids against IS militants in Iraq last month and on Monday night expanded the strikes into Syria, with the participation of Gulf Arab allies.

In a new round of bombings, US, Saudi and Emirati warplanes broadened their bombardment to target the oil fields in eastern Syria that have helped fund the jihadist group's rise from rebel faction to alleged global threat, AFP says.

IS now controls several oilfields in Syria and Iraq, and sales of smuggled crude oil have helped finance its offensive in both countries.