With Islamist militants surging across northern Iraq, sending tens of thousands fleeing for their lives, U.S. President Barack Obama said the U.S. will take limited military action to stem the violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING: "Today I authorized two operations in Iraq; targeted airstrikes to protect our American personnel, and a humanitarian effort to help save thousands of Iraqi civilians who are trapped on a mountain without food, and water and facing almost certain death."

Speaking after meetings with his national security team, Obama took action amid international fears of a humanitarian catastrophe.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA, SAYING: "When we have a mandate to help in this case a request from the Iraqi government, and when we have the unique capabilities to help avert a massacre, then I believe the United States of America cannot turn a blind eye. We can act carefully and responsibly to prevent a potenti