DHAKA: The US has carried out airstrikes in Iraq in support of troops who were being attacked by Islamic State (IS) fighters, reports BBC quoting the US military sources.

It said that the attacks took place on Sunday and Monday near Mount Sinjar and south-west of Baghdad.

They were the first made as part of expanded efforts outlined by US President Barack Obama last week.

Meanwhile Iraq has criticised the decision not to invite Iran to an international summit on the IS threat.

Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said the decision was “regrettable”.

Some 30 countries in Paris pledged to join a US-led coalition against IS.

The militant group, which originated in Syria, has swept through parts of western and northern Iraq in recent months and now controls large areas of both countries.

BDST: 1058 HRS, SEP 16, 2014