Fully 65 percent of Americans say they approve of the airstrikes. Just 23 percent disapprove.

The poll of registered voters was conducted from Sunday to Tuesday. U.S. warplanes struck Sunni extremist militants last Friday. Obama said the airstrikes were conducted to “prevent terrorist forces from advancing on the city of Irbil.”

Despite support for his decision, the public holds Obama’s overall record on Iraq in low regard. Just 37 percent approve, compared to 52 percent who disapprove.