Fighters from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis) said they seized a border crossing to Syria and
two towns in north-west Iraq on Saturday.
Correspondents say Isis appears to be better trained, better equipped and more experienced than the army.
The Sunni extremists attacked the city of Mosul in June and have since seized large swathes of territory across Iraq.
There is deep pessimism in Baghdad about the way the government's war against Isis is going,
The Iraqi air force ran out of American Hellfire missiles two weeks ago, and in any case only has two Cessna planes capable of firing Hellfires, he adds.
Experts say Isis has established secure safe havens, including some in neighbouring Syria, which will be difficult to target.
On Saturday, Iraqi officials admitted that Isis had seized a border crossing near the town of Qaim, killing 30 troops after a day-long battle.
Rebels also said they had taken the towns of Rawa and Aneh along the Euphrates river.
Correspondents say a campaign along the river may eventually lead to an assault on Baghdad from the west.
The capture of the Qaim crossing in western Iraq could also help Isis transport weapons and other equipment to different battlefields, analysts say.
Correspondents say Isis appears to be better trained, better equipped and more experienced than the army.
The Sunni extremists attacked the city of Mosul in June and have since seized large swathes of territory across Iraq.
There is deep pessimism in Baghdad about the way the government's war against Isis is going,
The Iraqi air force ran out of American Hellfire missiles two weeks ago, and in any case only has two Cessna planes capable of firing Hellfires, he adds.
Experts say Isis has established secure safe havens, including some in neighbouring Syria, which will be difficult to target.
On Saturday, Iraqi officials admitted that Isis had seized a border crossing near the town of Qaim, killing 30 troops after a day-long battle.
Rebels also said they had taken the towns of Rawa and Aneh along the Euphrates river.
Correspondents say a campaign along the river may eventually lead to an assault on Baghdad from the west.
The capture of the Qaim crossing in western Iraq could also help Isis transport weapons and other equipment to different battlefields, analysts say.
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