Report 20161014A
Date
October 14, 2016
Administration
Barack Obama (Second Term)Location
YemenWas 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
No
Purpose/Mission
Respond to threatDetails: "in response to anti-ship cruise missile launches perpetrated by Houthi insurgents that threatened U.S. Navy warships in the international waters of the Red Sea"; "to protect our personnel and our ships and ... preserve our freedom of navigation in this important maritime passageway"
Domestic Legal Authority
Constitution (Art. II)Details: "I directed these strikes pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive"
Claimed International Legal Basis
Self-Defense Consent of territorial stateDetails: Stated in letter to UN. Self-defense also invoked: "limited and proportionate strikes were conducted to protect our personnel and our ships and will preserve our freedom of navigation in this important maritime passageway. The United States stands ready to take action in self-defense, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats."
Estimated Scope/Duration
Scope/duration specified
Details: "These limited and proportionate strikes were conducted to protect our personnel and our ships"; "Initial assessments show that the radar facilities were destroyed by the strikes."
Type of Enemy or Mission
Non-state actorDetails: Houthi insurgents
Military Activity
Air operationsDetails: "U.S. Armed Forces conducted missile strikes on radar facilities in Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen"
US Casualties Reported
No
Non-US Casualties Reported
Unknown
