[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
[June 26, 1993]
[Pages 938-939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Address to the Nation on the Strike on Iraqi Intelligence Headquarters
June 26, 1993

    My fellow Americans, this evening I want to speak with you about an 
attack by the Government of Iraq against the United States and the 
actions we have just taken to respond.
    This past April, the Kuwaiti Government uncovered what they 
suspected was a car bombing plot to assassinate former President George 
Bush while he was visiting Kuwait City. The Kuwaiti authorities arrested 
16 suspects, including 2 Iraqi nationals. Following those arrests, I 
ordered our own intelligence and law enforcement agencies to conduct a 
thorough and independent investigation. Over the past several weeks, 
officials from those agencies reviewed a range of intelligence 
information, traveled to Kuwait and elsewhere, extensively interviewed 
the suspects, and thoroughly examined the forensic evidence.
    This Thursday, Attorney General Reno and Director of Central 
Intelligence Woolsey gave me their findings. Based on their 
investigation there is compelling evidence that there was, in fact, a 
plot to assassinate former President Bush and that this plot, which 
included the use of a powerful bomb made in Iraq, was directed and 
pursued by the Iraqi intelligence service.
    We should not be surprised by such deeds, coming as they do from a 
regime like Saddam Hussein's, which is ruled by atrocity, slaughtered 
its own people, invaded two neighbors, attacked others, and engaged in 
chemical and environmental warfare. Saddam has repeatedly violated the 
will and conscience of the international community. But this attempt at 
revenge by a tyrant against the leader of the world coalition that 
defeated him in war is particularly loathsome and cowardly. We thank God 
it was unsuccessful. The authorities who foiled it have the appreciation 
of all Americans.
    It is clear that this was no impulsive or random act. It was an 
elaborate plan devised by the Iraqi Government and directed against a 
former President of the United States because of actions he took as 
President. As such, the Iraqi attack against President Bush was an 
attack against our country and against all Americans. We could not and 
have not let such action against our Nation go unanswered.
    From the first days of our Revolution, America's security has 
depended on the clarity of this message: Don't tread on us. A firm and 
commensurate response was essential to protect our sovereignty, to send 
a message to those who engage in state-sponsored terrorism, to deter 
further violence against our people, and to affirm the expectation of 
civilized behavior among nations.

    Therefore, on Friday I ordered our forces to launch a cruise missile 
            attack on the Iraqi intelligence service's principal 
            command-and-control facility in Baghdad. Those missiles were 
            launched this afternoon at 4:22 eastern daylight time. They 
            landed approximately an hour ago. I have discussed this 
            action with the congressional leadership and with our allies 
            and friends in the region. And I have called for an 
            emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to 
            expose Iraq's crime.

    These actions were directed against the Iraqi Government, which was 
responsible for the assassination plot. Saddam Hussein has demonstrated 
repeatedly that he will resort to terrorism or aggression if left 
unchecked. Our intent was to target Iraq's capacity to support violence 
against the United States and other nations and to deter Saddam Hussein 
from supporting such outlaw behavior in the future. Therefore, we 
directed our action against the facility associated with Iraq's support 
of terrorism, while making every effort to minimize the loss of innocent 
life.
    There should be no mistake about the message we intend these actions 
to convey to Saddam Hussein, to the rest of the Iraqi leadership, and to 
any nation, group, or person who would harm our leaders or our citizens. 
We will com-


[[Page 939]]

bat terrorism. We will deter aggression. We will protect our people.
    The world has repeatedly made clear what Iraq must do to return to 
the community of nations. And Iraq has repeatedly refused. If Saddam and 
his regime contemplate further illegal provocative actions, they can be 
certain of our response.
    Let me say to the men and women in our Armed Forces and in our 
intelligence and law enforcement agencies who carried out the 
investigation and our military response: You have my gratitude and the 
gratitude of all Americans. You have performed a difficult mission with 
courage and professionalism.
    Finally, I want to say this to all the American people: While the 
cold war has ended, the world is not free of danger. And I am determined 
to take the steps necessary to keep our Nation secure. We will keep our 
forces ready to fight. We will work to head off emerging threats, and we 
will take action when action is required. That is precisely what we have 
done today.
    Thank you, and God bless America.

Note: The President spoke at 7:40 p.m. from the Oval Office at the White 
House.