Ex UK military head says sending combat troops may be 'least worst' option in fight against IS

London: A former military head has reportedly stressed on the need to hold a debate on sending British troops to fight Islamic State (IS), if other measures are unsuccessful.

While emphasizing that the "limited steps" taken were not enough to defeat the jihadists, Lord Dannatt said, "There has got to be a debate about whether a least worst option is to provide boots on the ground," if other options fail, reported Sky News.

The United Kingdom has carried out airstrikes against IS in Iraq and has also provided equipment and training to local troops. However, there is a "deep reluctance" to send ground troops to the fight with Prime Minister David Cameron saying that sending combat troops would be "wrong."

Dannatt said that the "reluctance" to allow soldiers to engage in combat against IS stemmed from the experiences in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He remarked that any major policy change on the issue would be "unlikely" until after the General Election.

His comment followed the release of a video showing the beheading of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto by IS.