Obama authorizes targeted airstrikes in Iraq to protect Americans, prevent genocide

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama said Thursday night he has authorized targeted airstrikes in Iraq to protect American personnel and prevent "possible genocide" of an Iraqi minority trapped on a mountain by Islamic extremists .

A humanitarian crisis is emerging in northern Iraq where about 40,000 Iraqis,  members of a minority group, are trapped on top of a mountain and facing possible slaughter or starvation by Sunni Muslim extremists below.

"Earlier this week, one Iraqi in the area cried to the world, 'There is no one coming to help.' Well today, America is coming to help," Obama said in an address from the White House.

"When we have the unique capabilities to help avert a massacre, then I believe the United States of America cannot turn a blind eye," Obama said.

Obama said U.S. cargo planes had dropped supplies to the refugees in the northern Iraqi area of Mt. Sinjar, who he said faced the risk of imminent starvation after fleeing Islamic extremist forces.

"We do whatever is necessary to protect our people. We support our allies when they're in danger," Obama said.

Obama said he'd authorized targeted airstrikes "if necessary" to help forces in Iraq fighting to protect civilians trapped in the mountains as brutal Islamist fighters advance.