In the wake of the ongoing Iraq conflict, US President Barack Obama has said that his government is looking at "all options", including military action, to help Iraq fight Islamist militants.
However, he ruled out any intention of sending ground troops to the conflict prone nation.
According to the BBC, Obama made the comments as the cities of Mosul and Tikrit fell to Sunni Islamist insurgents during a lightning advance. Also, the US has begun moving defence contractors working with the Iraqi military to safer areas.
Jen Psaki, state department spokesperson, said that it could be confirmed that US citizens, under contract to the government of Iraq, in support of the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme in Iraq, are being temporarily relocated by their companies due to security concerns in the area.
The report further said that hundreds were being evacuated from Balad air base to Baghdad.