US military today began its air strikes in Iraq as it dropped laser-guided bombs on a mobile artillery in a bid to halt the advance of terrorists on the city of Erbil where American diplomats are stationed. Two F/A-18 aircraft dropped 500-pound laser-guided bombs on a mobile artillery piece near Erbil.

US President Barack Obama announced that he has ordered targeted military strikes against Islamic State militants. However, Obama reiterated that he will not allow the US to be dragged into fighting another war in Iraq.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed US air strikes against the Islamic State militants but ruled out any UK military action. Cameron said the world must help religious minorities in Iraq who are under threat from the militants in their hour of desperate need.

British defence secretary Michael Fallon said that British forces are to drop food aid for Iraqi refugees under threat from militants.