We will drown all of you in blood: ISIS

Iraqi forces halt operation to retake Tikrit

Iraq: Islamic State militants have threatened to attack U.S. targets 'in any place' in revenge for American air strikes against them in Iraq.

The extremist group posted a chilling video showing a blood-spattered Star and Stripes next to the jihadist flag with the message in English: 'We will drown all of you in blood'.

The message was accompanied by photographs of an American who was beheaded during the U.S. occupation of Iraq and victims of sniper shootings.

Unlike Al Qaeda, the Islamic State has so far focused on seizing land in Iraq and Syria for its self-proclaimed caliphate, not spectacular attacks on Western targets.

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces on Tuesday halted an offensive to retake control of the militant-held city of Tikrit, the capital of the Sunni-dominant province of Salahudin, due to heavy resistance by the militants, security sources said.

Earlier in the day, the troops entered Tikrit from three directions, but was forced to retreat after fierce clashes with the Sunni militants, including those who are linked to the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist group.

UN announces aid for Iraqis
The UN refugee agency said it was poised to mount a massive aid operation for 500,000 Iraqis driven from their homes by jihadist rebels.

"In response to the deteriorating situation in northern Iraq, UNHCR is this week launching one of its largest aid pushes aimed at helping close to half a million people who have been forced to leave their homes," spokesman Adrian Edwards told reporters.