CRI听力:Extremist Groups Pose "Immediate Threat" to Peace and Security: Ban

United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has highlighted the "undeniable" threat to international peace and security posed by Islamic State militants.

His comments in New York follow US-led airstrikes that hit the extremist group in Syria.

Ban is now calling on the US and its partners to take "all necessary precautions" to avoid civilian casualties during the air strikes.

"I regret the loss of any civilian lives as a result of strikes against targets in Syria. The parties involved in this campaign must abide by international humanitarian law and take all necessary precautions to avoid and minimize civilian casualties."

Syrian activists have reported that civilians were among the casualties in the overnight airstrikes carried out by the US and five Arab nations.

US Central Command says the targets included training camps, an explosives and munitions production facility, a communications building, and command and control facilities.

At least 70 IS militants and 50 other al-Qaeda-linked fighters have reportedly been killed in the strikes.

In his first remarks after the air strikes, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said he support any international efforts to combat "terrorism" in Syria.