Report 20130113A
Date
January 13, 2013
Administration
Barack Obama (First Term)Location
SomaliaWas 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)
No, as described in/inferred 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
Yes
Details: (assistance to France)
Article 51 Report to UN
Not applicable because no self-defense claim
Purpose/Mission
Advise/AssistDetails: Provided "limited technical support" to French forces attempting to rescue a French citizen being held hostage by al-Shabaab, "but took no direct part in the assault on the compound..."
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: “I directed U.S. forces to support this rescue operation in furtherance of U.S. national security interests, and 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 U.S. forces that supported this operation left Somalia by approximately 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 11, 2013."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Non-state actorDetails: Al-Shabaab
Military Activity
Air operationsDetails: "United States combat aircraft briefly entered Somali airspace to support the rescue operation, if needed. These aircraft did not employ weapons during the operation."
US Casualties Reported
Unknown
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
