President Obama says He’s Not Ruling out U-S Airstrikes Against Militants

Internet videos claim to show Islamic militants celebrating in a northern Iraqi town after taking control of the country’s largest oil refinery.

 

Iraq’s government denies the reports and says it has killed dozens of al-Qaeda inspired fighters who have vowed to attack Baghdad and set up an Islamic state.   

 

As insurgents move closer to the capital, military commanders in Iraq say the West must help stop the insurgency.

 

 

(Lahor Talabani, Sr. Kurdish Military Commander)

THIS WAR WILL COME BACK AND BITE THEM IN THE – (BLEEP) – BACK IN EUROPE AND THE STATES.

 

 

Washington says U-S troops will not engage in combat.

 

Iraq is pressing the US to carry out air strikes against militants – something President Obama has not ruled out.

 

At this point, American fighter jets are carrying out surveillance flights over Iraq.

 

Thousands of Iraqi Shiites have signed up with Iraq’s army to join the fight against the Sunni militant insurgency.

 

Militants now have their hands on armored vehicles and tanks that they took from Iraqi soldiers who left their posts.

 

Alphonso Van Marsh, CBS News.>

 

We’re awaiting comments from President Obama on the situation. Tune in to our sister station ABC Montgomery from his press conference at 12:15.