Iraq: Yazidi Rescue Mission 'Far Less Likely'

A humanitarian mission to rescue thousands of Yazidis trapped in Iraq is "far less likely" to take place after an assessment carried out by a US team.

US Army Special Forces soldiers and a US Agency for International Development (USAID) team spent several hours on the mountain speaking to refugees on Wednesday.

They have since returned to Irbil, the capital of the Kurdish autonomous region, and reported fewer Yazidis remain trapped on the mountain than previously feared.

Some 5,000 refugees remain stranded on Mount Sinjar, according to Sky sources.

A map detailing the Sinjar mountains

It had previously been thought there were between 20,000 and 30,000 still there after fleeing militants of the Islamic State (IS), formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

A statement released by the Pentagon said humanitarian aid drops, airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) fighters and the efforts of Peshmerga fighters had allowed many Yazidis to escape.

It added: "The Yazidis who remain are in better condition than previously believed and continue to have access to the food and water that we have dropped.

"Based on this assessment the interagency has determined that an evacuation mission is far less likely.

Members of the Yazidi sect hold a banner asking for international help

"Additionally, we will continue to provide humanitarian assistance as needed and will protect US personnel and facilities."

It comes after Sky sources revealed SAS soldiers have also been involved in gathering intelligence and preparing the ground for any possible mass air lift.

IS fighters had threatened the ancient religious group with death if they failed to convert to Islam.

British Prime Minister David Cameron earlier said "detailed plans" were being made for an international mission to rescue the stranded Yazidis.

Areas the Islamic State has launched offensives and wants to make one state

Sky's Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge said: "It will be interesting to see if the UK is prepared to go it alone, or if that is now off the table."

Asked about calls for the UK to follow France in arming Kurdish fighters being out-gunned by IS, or to join the US in airstrikes, Mr Cameron said the "desperate humanitarian situation" needed to be dealt with first.

He is visiting an aid distribution centre in Wiltshire later to see some of the UK supplies before they are transported to Iraq.

The UK has successfully completed seven air drops of supplies including clean water and shelter, and is sending a "small number" of RAF Chinook helicopters to the region.

It has already sent RAF Tornado jets equipped with sophisticated surveillance equipment to gather intelligence.

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