*Administration of Barack Obama, 2014 *

**Letter to Congressional Leaders Reporting on the Commencement of United States Military Operations in Syria **

*September 23, 2014 *

*Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) *

As I have repeatedly reported to the Congress, U.S. Armed Forces continue to conduct operations in a variety of locations against al-Qa'ida and associated forces. In furtherance of these U.S. counterterrorism efforts, on September 22, 2014, at my direction, U.S. military forces began a series of strikes in Syria against elements of al-Qa'ida known as the Khorasan Group. These strikes are necessary to defend the United States and our partners and allies against the threat posed by these elements.

I have directed these actions, which are in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, pursuant to my constitutional and statutory authority as Commander in Chief (including the authority to carry out Public Law 107–40) and as Chief Executive, as well as my constitutional and statutory authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United States. 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

NOTE: Identical letters were sent to John A. Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Patrick J. Leahy, President pro tempore of the Senate.

*Categories:* Communications to Congress : Syria, commencement of U.S. military operations, letter reporting*.*

*Subjects:* Syria : Khorasan terrorist organization; Syria : U.S. airstrikes; Terrorism : Al Qaida terrorist group; Terrorism : Counterterrorism efforts.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201400698.