Purpose/Mission

Details: "In response to this series of attacks and continuing threats of future attacks.... The strikes were intended to establish deterrence ...in order to protect and defend our personnel, to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities."

Domestic Legal Authority

Details: "I directed this discrete military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and to conduct United States foreign relations."

Claimed International Legal Basis

Details: "The United States took this necessary and proportionate action consistent with international law, and in the exercise of the United States’ inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter."

Estimated Scope/Duration

Scope/duration specified

Details: "on the night of October 26, 2023, United States forces conducted targeted strikes"

Type of Enemy or Mission

Details: "facilities used by the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups"

Military Activity

Details: "United States forces conducted targeted strikes against facilities in eastern Syria. The precision strikes targeted facilities used by the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups"

US Casualties Reported

Yes

Details: "numerous attacks using unmanned aerial systems and indirect fire, injuring several United States service members. A United States contractor suffered a fatal cardiac incident while moving to shelter during one of these attacks. "

Non-US Casualties Reported

Unknown