This afternoon, Vice President Biden called Iraqi Kurdistan Regional President Masoud Barzani to discuss the security situation in northern Iraq and the threat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses to innocent civilians. The Vice President offered his condolences for Kurdish losses suffered during ISIL’s advance. President Barzani updated the Vice President on the conditions facing Yezidi refugees stranded on Mount Sinjar and the disposition of Kurdish forces protecting Erbil. Vice President Biden relayed President Obama’s offer of humanitarian assistance for the Yezidis and reaffirmed his commitment to take whatever actions necessary to protect Americans in Erbil, including targeted airstrikes. President Barzani thanked Vice President Biden for America’s support.