The Islamic State of ISIS has previously decided to take control of other Iraq states. The Jihadist group has taken over more than half of the cities in northern Iraq. ISIS’s control has grown at a rapid pace in the past two weeks.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, the U.S. sent in humanitarian aid flights. The first plane flew into Mount Sinjar, where about 30,000 people were trapped, surrounded by Islamic militants. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the aircraft contained 85,928 ready-to-eat meals for all those who are starving and stranded, 20,151 gallons of fresh water, and 1,056 solar lanterns. After the militants took control of Mosul’s hydroelectric dam which supplied most of the water and power resources, the citizens were at a loss. Lastly, the aircraft also carried 528 shelter kits provided by the RAF along with water containers. This is so far the best the U.S. can do without risking our own troops to fight. Within the next week, the will U.S. continue to bring aid to Mount Sinjar.

The next day, the U.S. had launched their first air strikes against the ISIS. This has also been their first direct military involvement with Iraq since 2011. In total, the U.S. has launched about four airstrikes on ISIS militants. On Aug. 14, President Barack Obama confirmed that the U.S. will continue to send out airstrikes and aid flights, but will not be sending troops. This is more than likely a good decision. The U.S. fought in Iraq for a little over eight years. Our country is doing their best to help protect the innocent while not getting too involved at the same time. It is our troops’ job to fight for their country, not fight for a country who has put the U.S. through so much in the past. “We are modestly hopeful that the Iraqi government situation is moving in the right direction,” commented Obama.