Report 19970530A
Date
May 30, 1997
Administration
Bill Clinton (Second Term)Location
Sierra LeoneWas 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: "evacuation of certain U.S. Government employees and private U.S. citizens" from Sierra Leone
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "I have taken this action pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United States and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive."
Claimed International Legal Basis
UnknownEstimated Scope/Duration
Mission-bound but indeterminate
Details: "United States forces will redeploy as soon as evacuation operations are complete and enhanced security at locations in and around Freetown is no longer required."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Embassy protection Rescue/Evacuation of nationalsDetails: "disorder and violence in Freetown" by Sierra Leone Military Forces (RSLMF)
Military Activity
Air operations Use of naval forces/vessels Use of ground forcesDetails: "...approximately 200 U.S. military personnel, including an 11-member special forces detachment, were positioned in Freetown"; "U.S. military helicopters transported U.S. citizens and designated third-country nationals to immediate safety"
US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
