Joe Biden and Barzani discuss Islamic State upsurge

Iraqi Kurdish Regional Government President Massoud Barzani updated Biden on the conditions facing Ezidi refugees stranded on Mount Sinjar and the condition of Kurdish forces protecting Erbil. Biden, reportedly, reaffirmed the U.S.' commitment to take whatever action is necessary to protect Americans in Erbil, including targeted airstrikes. U.S. President Barack Obama, late Thursday, authorized U.S. forces to airdrop humanitarian aid to the people stranded in Mount Sanjar and to carry out airstrikes in case of any threat to Erbil and American facilities there. Since last Saturday, the IS moved to the north of Iraq where violent clashes between IS militants and KRG forces Peshmerga took place. The recent IS activity has caused 5,000 refugees from Hazer camp in Erbil to be evacuated for their safety in fear of attacks. Early Thursday, IS was reportedly took over Makhmour town in northern Iraq that is home to 12,000 Turkish Kurds.