The United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq against Islamic State fighters near the Kurdish capital of Irbil and the Mosul Dam, the U.S. Central Command said Saturday.

"The nine airstrikes conducted thus far destroyed or damaged four armored personnel carriers, seven armed vehicles, two Humvees, and an armored vehicle," it said in a statement, adding, "all aircraft exited the strike areas safely."

The Central Command said the strikes were aimed at supporting humanitarian efforts in Iraq and protecting U.S. personnel and facilities there.