U.S. warplanes bombed Sunni militant artillery near Irbil. President Barack Obama authorized the strikes as the Islamic State advanced on the town.

Obama says the mission has two goals: protecting Americans personnel and helping Iraqi minorities driven from their homes by the militants, now facing a humanitarian crisis.

Associated Press’s Bureau Chief Vivian Selama reports in Baghdad.

Militants expand stronghold in Mosul

U.S. warplanes bombed Sunni militant artillery near Irbil. President Barack Obama authorized the strikes as Islamic State advanced on the town.