David Cameron has insisted that Britain will not be getting involved in another war in Iraq.
He spoke out after reports Britain had briefly sent some ground troops to Irbil, to prepare the way for a rescue mission to help displaced Yazidi people.
His comments came amid reports on Iraqi state TV that Kurdish troops have retaken the strategic Mosul dam from Islamic militants.
Peshmerga fighters have been battling Islamic State fighters, with the aid of US airstrikes, after the dam was seized by the militants 10 days ago.
The Islamic State group denied they had lost control of the dam and there were reports of fierce fighting on the southern side of the facility.
Mr Cameron made his strongly worded statement this morning amid confusion over the UK's involvement in Iraq after a series of media interviews by senior ministers.
He said: "I want to be absolutely clear to you and to families watching at home. Britain is not going to get involved in another war in Iraq.
"We are not going to be putting boots on the ground. We are not going to be sending in the British Army."
Mr Cameron has previously conceded that Britain's role will go beyond humanitarian aid and involve limited action to prevent violence spreading to British streets.
But he said: "So we are helping the Kurds, we are working with the Iraqi government to make sure it is more representative of the whole country.
"And, of course, we are working with neighbours and allies to put the maximum amount of pressure on IS and make sure it is properly dealt with.
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