U.S. President Barack Obama has changed his approach to Iraq after the humanitarian crisis in the north escalated, and reports that U.S. consulate and aid workers could get caught in the midst of the conflict.

Obama authorized military airstrikes on Islamic State positions in Iraq, two and a half years after the end of the American combat mission in that country. Still, the president pledged to keep American soldiers out of Iraq.

For the U.S. president who made his priority to get American troops out of Iraq, this decision marks a pivotal change.

CCTV America’s White House correspondent Jessica Stone explains.

US position on Iraq changes amidst conflict with IS

U.S. President Barack Obama has changed his approach to Iraq after the humanitarian crisis in the north escalated, and reports that U.S. consulate and aid workers could get caught in the midst of the conflict. CCTV America's Jessica Stone reports.