Ten Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, have agreed to rally with the US in tackling the threat posed by Islamic State (IS) jihadists.

After talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Jeddah, they agreed to help stop the flow of funds and foreign fighters to IS.

Mr Kerry is trying to build a coalition against the militants, who control large parts of Syria and Iraq.

However, Russia has warned the US against using air strikes in Syria.

The Russian foreign ministry said any such action, without the backing of the UN, would be "an act of aggression" and a "gross violation" of international law.

US President Barack Obama has threatened action against IS, and Mr Kerry has been tasked with trying to build a regional coalition against the militants.

As the meeting in Jeddah broke up, a joint statement declared a "shared commitment to stand united against the threat posed by all terrorism" including IS.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Arab states taking part were Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Nato member Turkey was also represented, but did not sign the statement.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Obama said any group that threatened America would "find no safe haven". He also announced that 475 US military personnel would be sent to Iraq but would not have a combat role.

BBC