NATO member states are discussing a request to use the alliance's AWACS air surveillance aircraft in the battle against Daesh, Al Arabiya quoted an official as saying Friday.

Any AWACS commitment would mark a departure for the alliance which up to now has had no direct role in combating Daesh but is increasingly concerned by the threat it poses on its southern flank.

"We can confirm there has been a request for concrete support from NATO to the anti-Daesh effort in the form of NATO AWACS surveillance planes," a NATO official said.

"This request is under discussion by allies," the official added.

Diplomatic sources said the request came from the United States which leads an anti-Daesh coalition of more than 60 countries, including most of NATO's 28 member states.

Source: MENA