The Defense Department issued statements outlying the attacks near the dam, stating that nine strikes on Saturday and over 14 on Sunday by fighter aircraft and drones had taken place.
"Centcom conducted these strikes under authority to support humanitarian efforts in Iraq, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and support Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense forces who are working together to combat ISIL," a statement from DoD issued Sunday reads, in part.
On Aug. 8, Democracy Now! noted, Obama became "the fourth U.S. president in a row to order military action in Iraq." U.S. operations there would be a "long term project," Obama said.
Since June the administration has been sending installments of U.S. troops, "advisers" or "assessors" to Iraq, and the first set was sent over 60 days ago. The War Powers Resolution requires the president to seek Congressional approval for military action beyond 60 days.
Some Democrats are pushing for a vote to authorize strikes on Iraq, The Hill reported Sunday.
Over 100 members of Congress issued a letter (pdf) dated July 2 to Obama, writing, in part, "As you consider options for U.S. intervention, we write to urge respect for the constitutional requirements for using force abroad. The Constitution vests in Congress the power and responsibility to authorize offensive military action abroad. The use of military force in Iraq is something the Congress should fully debate and authorize."
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