Report 20120126A
Date
January 26, 2012
Administration
Barack Obama (First Term)Location
SomaliaWas 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)
Insufficient information to infer from report
Was 4(a)(2) Triggered? (Combat- Equipped Introduction)
Yes, described in/inferred from report
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
Rescue/Hostage recoveryDetails: Rescue Ms. Jessica Buchanan, a U.S. citizen who was "kidnapped in Galcayo, Somalia on October 25, 2011, by a group linked to Somali pirates and financiers."
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "I directed this action consistent with my responsibility to protect U.S. citizens both at home and abroad, and in furtherance of U.S. national security interests, 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: "The operation was undertaken by a small number of joint combat-equipped U.S. forces" on January 24, 2012 and "[t]hese forces left Somalia on January 25, 2012."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Non-state actorDetails: Rescue U.S. national
Military Activity
Use of ground forcesDetails: "The operation was undertaken by a small number of joint combat-equipped U.S. forces, after we received reliable intelligence indicating Ms. Buchanan's location in Somalia along with that of" a non-U.S. national hostage.
US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
