Obama Admits US Underestimated Iraqi Jihadists

President Barack Obama made a statement from the White House on Saturday to discuss the ongoing military operations taking place in Iraq to combat jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS or ISIL). After his remarks, Obama took questions from reporters and admitted his administration may have underestimated the capabilities of ISIS.

"There is no doubt that their advance, their movement over the past several months has been more rapid than the intelligence estimates and the expectations of policymakers," Obama said.

Obama reiterated his claim American airstrikes and humanitarian efforts are focused on two goals - protecting diplomatic personnel and military advisors in the Iraqi city of Erbil and providing aid and protection to members of the Yazidi religious minority trapped on a mountain in the northern part of the country by ISIS fighters.

The president said these operations have been successful. Obama also indicated he spoke with British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande and both leaders expressed "strong support" for the humanitarian mission.

As of this writing, Obama is still speaking and this post will be continuously updated with details from his remarks.