Transcript for Crisis in Iraq: US launches Second Round of Airstrikes in Iraq
Great to have you with us on a Friday night. U.s. Air strikes, breaking news in Iraq. Dropping precision-guided bombs. These images from the aftermath. And Americans on the ground, and desperate survivors without food and water. And president Obama, now saying this. Tonight, so many at home, asking why now? First, Martha Raddatz leading us off. Good evening. Reporter: The U.S. Military now has a green light to launch as needed in Iraq. Today, pounding multiple targets, trying to stop the militants from threatening the lives of Americans and others trapped on that mountain. The first strike, 12:45 P.M. In Iraq. Broad daylight. The two heavily-armed f-18 fighter jets launching from the carrier uss bush in the persian gulf, roaring high above northern Iraq, where Isis militants were shelling forces trying to defend erbil from attacks. The U.S. Fighters dropping precision 500-pound bombs on the Isis mobile artillery unit. The smoke from the strike, visible for miles. You let the bomb go. And the bomb finds its way to the target. Reporter: Four hours later, 5:45 P.M. It was the armed drone launching a missile at an Isis mortar position. When militant fighters returned to the site, the drone struck again. 6:20 P.M., four more F-18s, targeting a seven-vehicle Isis convoy. The Pentagon says a total of eight bombs dropped, neutralizing the convoy and the mortar launcher. The strikes are being called as needed to try to stop the advance on erbil and keep the Americans safe. Meanwhile, that other mission to save lives on top of the mountain. Today, these images. Iraqi helicopters were mobbed by the starving yazidis. Children lifted up to safety. The U.S. Dropping water and food under cover of night. These cargo airplanes, which and do not have the same Many may be asking, why not get the Americans out to evacuate them? Well, it's because they're doing important work. But also, it's a key city, and the Americans do not want it to fall. Because surely Isis would try to go after Baghdad. And now to John Karl at the
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