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Obama: Airstrikes destroyed ISIS weapons in Iraq

U.S. President Barack Obama says U.S. targeted airstrikes on ISIS took out weapons.

By Danielle Haynes
President Barack Obama makes a statement on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC before departing for a Martha's Vineyard vacation on August 9, 2014. Obama said there is no timetable for airstrikes on Iraq. UPI/Dennis Brack/Pool
1 of 6 | President Barack Obama makes a statement on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC before departing for a Martha's Vineyard vacation on August 9, 2014. Obama said there is no timetable for airstrikes on Iraq. UPI/Dennis Brack/Pool | License Photo

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday announced targeted airstrikes "successfully destroyed arms and equipment" held by ISIS in Iraq.

A series of airstrikes begun Thursday have targeted ISIS strongholds as Yazidi minorities flee the Sunni Islamic militants on Mount Sinjar.

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"Wherever and whenever (U.S.) personnel are facilities are threatened, it is my obligation ... to make sure they're protected," Obama said, not giving a timetable for future attacks.

"I don't think we're going to solve this problem in weeks. I think this is going to take some time," he added.

Obama said ISIS was able to advance as quickly as it has because of a weakly functioning Iraqi government.

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