The UN Security Council has condemned attacks by the militant Islamic State (IS) and called on the international community to support the Iraqi people and government.
The council met in an emergency session, held behind closed doors, to address the dire humanitarian situation in northern Iraq caused by the IS advance.
UN ambassadors heard a report by a UN official on the IS capture of several cities in the area, including the major Christian city of Qaraqosh.
The IS sweep has led to an exodus of tens of thousands -- most of them Christians and Yazidis -- who have been threatened with converting to Islam or face death.
Many are without food, water, or shelter.
The United States said on August 7 that it is considering making air drops of aid to the displaced groups as well as air strikes to stop the IS advance.
