Iraq and Saudi Arabia join forces in IS fight

Iraq and Saudi Arabia are to join forces to fight the Islamic State group (IS, formerly known as ISIS) on their shared border.

Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi are understood to have discussed the threat in a phone call on Tuesday.

Security posts on the 800km border have recently come under fire from IS fighters.

"The latest attack shows the danger of this terrorist organisation, and the importance of implementing joint efforts to confront and eliminate it," said a statement from Abadi's office.

The latest attack shows... the importance of implementing joint efforts to confront and eliminate [the IS group]. - Office of the Iraqi PM

Abadi was also reassured about the health of the Saudi king, currently in hospital in Saudi Arabia, it added.

The leaders have agreed to form a committee of officials from the interior and defence ministries from each country to help coordinate the fight.

A senior Iraqi government official told al-Araby al-Jadeed security agreements would be signed in the next two weeks due to the escalation of violence by IS - which has killed soldiers from both countries.

Limited Saudi intelligence and military support will be given to support Iraqi border guards, he added.  

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.