Obama Discusses ’ISIL’ Threat with Saudi King

Local Editor

US President Barack Obama discussed Iraq and the violent rise of the so-called "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" [ISIL] militant group with Saudi Arabian King Abdullah in a telephone call on Wednesday, the White House said.

Obama and Abdullah agreed to consult closely on regional developments three days after "ISIL" declared itself a "caliphate," according to the White House.

Obama and Abdullah discussed the need for Iraq to form an inclusive new government "uniting all of Iraq's diverse communities," it said.

Obama also thanked Abdullah for his $500 million pledge to Iraqis displaced by an upsurge in violence.

Meanwhile, Baghdad has blamed Saudi Arabia for encouraging genocide in Iraq.

Earlier reports have also said Saudi Arabia is the main supplier of weapons and military intelligence to "ISIL."

Violence in Iraq escalated after the "ISIL" militants took control of Mosul, in a lightning advance on June 10, which was followed by the fall of Tikrit, located 140 kilometers [87 miles] northwest of the capital, Baghdad.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has said Saudi Arabia is one of the countrie responsible for the security crisis and growing terrorism in his country, denouncing the al-Saud regime as a major supporter of global terrorism.

Saudi Arabia shares a 500-mile [800-km] border with Iraq.

Sources: News Agencies, Edited by website team