US forces working with Iraqi intelligence and security services killed a high-profile leader of the Islamic State in an airstrike in western Iraq, according to officials from the two countries.

The killing comes as the group has been reconstituting in Syria, carrying out more attacks than at any time since it lost control of its territory nearly six years ago.

Iraq's Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump have applauded the death of Abdallah Makki Muslih al-Rufayi, who was said to have been responsible for Islamic State's "foreign operations".