Obama Authorizes Airstrikes Against Militants in Iraq

News Alert: Obama Authorizes Airstrikes Against Militants in Iraq.. August 07, 2014 9:46 PM

  ..journey Today at 10:02 pm

Obama Authorizes Airstrikes Against Militants in Iraq

VOA News
August 07, 2014 9:46 PM

President Barack Obama says he has authorized U.S. military planes to carry out "targeted airstrikes" against Islamic extremists in northwestern Iraq.

In a late night White House speech Thursday, President Obama said American planes have dropped emergency food and water supplies to Iraqis threatened by the extremists.

Earlier, U.S. officials said the planes completed their humanitarian mission near the town of Sinjar and then safely exited the area.

In his speech, Obama said the U.S. "cannot turn a blind eye" to the advance of the militants, who have forced out and killed ethnic minorities. But he stressed that no U.S. troops will be sent to Iraq.

Extremists from the Islamic State group, which has taken over much of northern Iraq, are threatening to kill religious minorities including Christians and Yazidis, who follow an ancient religion linked to Zoroastrianism.

Tens of thousands have fled for their lives and are now trapped on top of a mountain with no food or water.

The extremists regard the non-Muslims as "devil worshippers."  There are reports of beheadings and amputations for those who resist.

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Thursday to call on members to do all they can to support the Iraqi government and ease the suffering.  It warns that widespread attacks against civilians because of their ethnic background or religion may constitute a crime against humanity.


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