[House Document 113-148]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]



113th Congress, 2d Session - - - - - - - - - - - - House Document 113-148

 
              NOTIFICATION OF TARGETED AIRSTRIKES IN IRAQ

                               __________

                             COMMUNICATION

                                  from

                   THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

                              transmitting

 A NOTIFICATION OF U.S. ARMED FORCES CONDUCTING TARGETED AIRSTRIKES IN 
                   IRAQ TO PROTECT AMERICAN PERSONNEL




 September 8, 2014.--Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and 
                         ordered to be printed
                                           The White House,
                                        Washington, August 8, 2014.
Hon. John A. Boehner,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Mr. Speaker: As I announced publicly on August 7, 
2014, I have authorized the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct 
targeted airstrikes in Iraq. These military operations will be 
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.
    Pursuant to this authorization, on August 8, 2014, U.S. 
military forces commenced targeted airstrike operations in 
Iraq.
    In addition, I have authorized U.S. Armed Forces to provide 
humanitarian assistance in Iraq in an operation that commenced 
on August 7, 2014. These operations will also be limited to 
supporting the civilians trapped on Mount Sinjar.
    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. These 
actions are being undertaken in coordination with the Iraqi 
government.
    I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep 
the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers 
Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the 
Congress in this action.
            Sincerely,
                                                      Barack Obama.