Islamic State (IS) has lost more than a quarter of its territory in Iraq since the US-led coalition air campaign began in August, a Pentagon spokesman says.

Col Steve Warren said it was too early to say the tide was turning, but that air strikes and Iraqi ground forces had "unquestionably inflicted some damage".

IS took over swathes of Iraq and Syria last June.

The announcement came ahead of talks between Iraq's prime minister and US President Barack Obama in Washington.

Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi wants the coalition to step up its air campaign against IS.
Syria 'unchanged'

Col Warren told a news conference on Monday that IS had lost 25% to 30% of its territory in Iraq, equating to 12,950 to 15,540 sq km (5,000 to 6,000 sq miles).

The frontline had been pushed either west or south in the provinces of Irbil, Babil, Baghdad and Kirkuk, he said.

"Among other strategic infrastructure and sizeable towns where [IS] has lost territory are Mosul Dam, Zummar and the vicinity of Sinjar Mountain."

BBC