Iraq PM says Paris attacks show need for global action

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Saturday condemned gun and bomb attacks in Paris that killed more than 120 people, saying they showed the need for action against militants worldwide.

"We condemn and deplore the terrorist attacks in Paris, which emphasise that fighting terrorism calls for international efforts to eliminate it in all countries," Abadi said in a statement.

At least eight militants, all of whom were wearing suicide vests, killed diners and concert-goers, and launched suicide attacks outside the national stadium, also wounding 180 people.

Iraq is battling the Islamic State group, which overran large parts of the country last year, and Baghdad was hit by multiple bombings on Friday that killed at least 19 people.

While Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes have regained significant ground north of the capital, much of the country's west remains under IS control.