2024-01-26T19:49:01+00:00
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/ President Joe Biden briefed the US Congress on the details of targeting armed factions in Iraq, noting that he acted in accordance with a previous authorization to use force.
Biden said in a letter to Congress published by the White House website that “Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated militias have carried out a series of attacks against U.S. personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria. These attacks, including the recent attack on Al Asad Air Base by Iranian-affiliated militias, have injured and seriously endangered U.S. and coalition personnel working alongside U.S. forces.”
He added, “Previously, in response to these attacks and the threat of future attacks, at my direction, United States forces have conducted targeted strikes against facilities in Iraq and Syria used by the IRGC and its affiliated groups.”
“On the night of January 23, 2024, at my direction, U.S. forces conducted separate strikes against facilities in Iraq used by IRGC-QF-affiliated militias for training, logistical support, and other purposes. The strikes were conducted to degrade the militias’ capabilities, deter future attacks, and were conducted in a manner designed to reduce the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. The strikes were conducted to protect and defend our personnel and assets in Iraq conducting military operations under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (Public Law 107-40). The objective of the strikes was to degrade and disrupt Iran and its proxy militias from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities,” he noted.
“I have directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens at home and abroad and to advance the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive to conduct United States foreign relations and pursuant to 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). The United States has taken this necessary and proportionate action consistent with international law and in exercise of the United States’ inherent right to self-defense as provided for in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The United States stands prepared to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address additional threats or attacks,” the President continued.
He noted that he submitted “this report as part of my efforts to keep Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate Congress’ support in this action.”