Report 19970315A
Date
March 15, 1997
Administration
Bill Clinton (Second Term)Location
AlbaniaWas 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Was 4(a)(2) Triggered? (Combat- Equipped Introduction)
Yes, stated or used terms in statute
Was 4(a)(3) Triggered? (Substantial Enlargement)
No, as described in/inferred from report
Joint/Coalition Mission
No
Article 51 Report to UN
Not applicable because no self-defense claim
Purpose/Mission
EvacuationDetails: "to provide enhanced security for the American Embassy in Tirana and to conduct the evacuation of certain U.S. Government employees and private U.S. citizens"
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive."
Claimed International Legal Basis
UnknownEstimated Scope/Duration
Scope/duration specified
Details: "Evacuation efforts resumed on March 14 and are expected to continue for several days."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Embassy protection Rescue/Evacuation of nationalsDetails: Embassy security and evacuation
Military Activity
Air operations Use of naval forces/vessels Use of ground forcesDetails: "Approximately 25 U.S. Marines... took up positions in and around the American Embassy compound. Evacuation operations began concurrently as U.S. CH–46 helicopters operating from the USS Nassau amphibious ready group transported approximately 50 U.S. citizens to U.S. Navy ships at sea"; rescue helicopters "escorted by AH–1W Cobra helicopters... came under fire but were not damaged during separate, sporadic incidents"; "a 150-member Marine rifle company has also been inserted near the American Embassy to provide additional security for the evacuation"
US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
