US air strikes in northern Iraq have successfully destroyed arms and equipment that ISIL terrorists could have used in Erbil city, President Barack Obama said here today.
Before he left for a two-week summer vacation, Obama told reporters that the American forces have conducted targeted air strikes against terrorist forces outside the city of Erbil to prevent them from advancing on the city and to protect US diplomats and military personnel.
"So far, these strikes have successfully destroyed arms and equipment that ISIL terrorists could have used against Erbil. Meanwhile, Kurdish forces on the ground continue to defend the city, and the United States and the Iraqi government have stepped up our military assistance to Kurdish forces as they wage their fight," he said.
Obama said the humanitarian effort continues to help the men, women and children stranded on Mount Sinjar.
American forces have so far conducted two successful airdrops -- delivering thousands of meals and gallons of water to these desperate men, women and children, he said adding that US aircraft are positioned to strike ISIL terrorists around the mountain to help forces in Iraq break the siege and rescue those who are trapped there.
"Now, even as we deal with these immediate situations, we continue to pursue a broader strategy in Iraq. We will protect our American citizens in Iraq, whether they're diplomats, civilians or military. If these terrorists threaten our facilities or our personnel, we will take action to protect our people," Obama said.
This morning, Obama spoke with British Prime Minister David Cameron, and French President Francois Hollande.
"Both leaders expressed their strong support for our actions and have agreed to join us in providing humanitarian assistance to Iraqi civilians who are suffering so much. Once again, America is proud to act alongside our closest friends and allies," he said.
The United Nations in Iraq is working urgently to help respond to the needs of those Iraqis fleeing from areas under threat, he said adding that the UN Security Council has called on the international community to do everything it can to provide food, water and shelter.
Obama called on the Iraqi leadership to form the inclusive government that the country needs right now.
"All Iraqi communities are ultimately threatened by these barbaric terrorists and all Iraqi communities need to unite to defend their country," he said.
