The United Arab Emirates (UAE) says it is ready to send ground troops to Syria as part of an international coalition to fight against the so-called Islamic State group.

Foreign affairs minister Anwar Gargash told reporters: "Our position throughout has been that a real campaign against Daesh has to include a ground force."

"We are not talking about thousands of troops," he added but said US leadership would be a prerequisite for the UAE.

Last week Saudi Arabia said it was ready to participate in any ground operations in Syria if the US-led coalition decided to take such action.