Obama seeks IS 'war powers' resolution

President Barack Obama has asked Congress to formally authorise the use of military force against Islamic State (IS) militants.

The president says he already has the statutory authority to attack IS, but he wants the clear backing of lawmakers.

This new measure would expire in three years and would not permit "enduring offensive combat operations".

The US has carried out air strikes against IS since last year.

It's the first time a US president has sought Congressional approval to use military force since President George W Bush in 2002, ahead of the invasion of Iraq.

Wednesday's draft proposal would repeal the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) but would leave in place the 2001 resolution that was approved after the 9/11 terror attacks in order to search for al-Qaeda operatives.