Soldiers in the UK are being sent to northern Iraq to train Kurdish fighters who are trying to push back Islamic State militants.
It comes as officials say Anbar province in Iraq is in danger of falling to Islamic State - with many describing their invasion there in recent days as overwhelming.
The extremist group are also close to gaining entry into Europe - through the Turkey / Syria border.
"The situation in Kobane remains dangerous" says US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel.
Mr Hagel said that US-led air strikes had made progress against the militants, but they still occupied areas on the town's outskirts.
The fight against IS in Syria and Iraq would be a long-term effort, he said, and admitted they're struggling:
