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Report 20140808A

Date

August 08, 2014

Administration

Barack Obama (Second Term)

Location

Iraq

Was 4(a)(1) Triggered? (Hostilities/Imminent Hostilities)

Yes, described in/inferred from report

Was 4(a)(2) Triggered? (Combat- Equipped Introduction)

No, as described in/inferred from report

Was 4(a)(3) Triggered? (Substantial Enlargement)

No, as described in/inferred from report

Joint/Coalition Mission

Yes

Details: "to help forces in Iraq"

Article 51 Report to UN

Not applicable because no self-defense claim

Purpose/Mission

Humanitarian

Details: "to protect American personnel in Iraq by stopping the current advance on Erbil by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and to help forces in Iraq as they fight to break the siege of Mount Sinjar and protect the civilians trapped there"

Domestic Legal Authority

Constitution (Art. II)

Details: "I have directed these actions, which are in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive"

Claimed International Legal Basis

Consent of territorial state

Details: "These actions are being undertaken in coordination with the Iraqi government."

Estimated Scope/Duration

Mission-bound but indeterminate

Details: "limited in their scope and duration as necessary to protect American personnel in Iraq by stopping the current advance on Erbil by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and to help forces in Iraq as they fight to break the siege of Mount Sinjar and protect the civilians trapped there"

Type of Enemy or Mission

Non-state actor

Details: Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

Military Activity

Air operations

Details: "targeted airstrikes"; "provide humanitarian assistance in Iraq"

US Casualties Reported

Unknown

Non-US Casualties Reported

Unknown