Purpose/Mission

Details: "The strikes have been taken to deter the IRGC and affiliated militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities and have been conducted in a manner designed to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel and assets who are in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan conducting military operations pursuant to the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40). The strikes are intended to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners."

Domestic Legal Authority

Details: "I directed this 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 and in accordance with the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40) and the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq (Public Law 107-243)."

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

Mission-bound but indeterminate

Details: "If necessary, I will direct additional measures, including against the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated personnel and facilities, as appropriate, to address the series of attacks against United States forces and facilities."

Type of Enemy or Mission

Details: "the IRGC and affiliated militia groups"

Military Activity

Details: "discrete strikes against facilities in Syria and Iraq used by the IRGC and affiliated militia groups for headquarters and command and control, weapons storage, training, logistics support, and other purposes."

US Casualties Reported

Yes

Details: "These attacks, including the recent attack on Al-Asad Air Base by Iran-affiliated militia groups, have caused injuries to United States personnel and Coalition forces operating alongside United States forces and have placed their lives under grave threat."

Non-US Casualties Reported

Yes

Details: "series of attacks against United States personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria and have placed under grave threat the lives of United States personnel and Coalition forces operating alongside United States forces. These attacks have continued since my prior report and have now expanded to a third country. A recent attack by Iran-affiliated militia groups killed three service members and injured multiple United States personnel located at the “Tower 22” base housing United States forces in northeastern Jordan."