More arms and aid are being sent to Iraq, in a growing international push to tackle jihadist militants and help those who have fled their advance.

The US says it is considering airlifts and the creation of safe passages for fleeing civilians – but insists no US ground forces will be in a combat role.

France says it will arm Iraq’s Kurds, who are already getting US military aid to fight Islamic State (IS) militants.

The UK has pledged to join a rescue mission for displaced civilians.

Members of the ancient Yazidi sect are among tens of thousands of people – mostly from religious minorities – who are sheltering in desperate conditions on Mount Sinjar in northern Iraq, according to the United Nations.