Military advisers sent to northern Iraq this week to assess a potential rescue mission to save thousands of Yazidis trapped on Mount Sinjar have determined that an evacuation is now "far less likely," citing the success of American airstrikes on the region and successful relief efforts.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today that the Pentagon has sent 130 additional advisers to northern Iraq to assess evacuation options for the thousands of Yazidis trapped on Mount Sinjar without food, water, and shelter.