[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 26 (Monday, July 5, 1993)]
[Pages 1183-1184]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Strike on Iraqi Intelligence 
Headquarters

 June 28, 1993

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

    Commencing at approximately 4:22 p.m. (EST) on June 26, 1993, at my 
direction, U.S. naval forces launched a Tomahawk cruise missile strike 
on the Iraqi Intelligence Service's (IIS) principal command and control 
complex in Baghdad. This facility is the headquarters for the IIS, which 
planned the failed attempt to assassinate former President Bush during 
his visit to Kuwait in April of this year. This U.S. military action was 
completed upon impact of the missiles on target at approximately 6 p.m. 
(EST).
    Operating under the United States Central Command, two U.S. Navy 
surface ships launched a total of 23 precision-guided Tomahawk missiles 
in this coordinated strike upon the key facilities in the IIS compound. 
The USS PETERSON (DD 969) launched 14 missiles from its position in the 
Red Sea, while the USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) in the Arabian Gulf 
launched nine missiles. The timing of this operation, with missiles 
striking at approximately 2:00 a.m. local Iraqi time, was chosen 
carefully so as to minimize risks to innocent civilians. Initial reports 
indicate that heavy damage was inflicted on the complex. Regrettably, 
there were some collateral civilian casualties.
    I ordered this military response only after I considered the results 
of a thorough and independent investigation by U.S. intelligence and law 
enforcement agencies. The reports by Attorney General Reno and Director 
of Central Intelligence Woolsey provided compelling evidence that the 
operation that threatened the life of President Bush in Kuwait City in 
April was directed and pursued by the Iraqi Intelligence Service and 
that the Government of Iraq bore direct responsibility for this effort.
    The Government of Iraq acted unlawfully in attempting to carry out 
Saddam Hussein's threats against former President Bush because of 
actions he took as President. The evidence of the Government of Iraq's 
violence and terrorism demonstrates that Iraq poses a continuing threat 
to United States nationals and shows utter disregard for the will of the 
international community as expressed in Security Council Resolutions and 
the United Nations Charter. Based on the Government of Iraq's pattern of 
disregard for international law, I concluded that there was no 
reasonable prospect that new diplomatic initiatives or economic measures 
could influence the current Government of Iraq to cease planning future 
attacks against the United States.
    Consequently, in the exercise of our inherent right of self-defense 
as recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and pursuant 
to my constitutional authority with respect to the conduct of foreign 
relations and as Commander in Chief, I ordered a military strike that 
directly targeted a facility Iraqi intelligence implicated in the plot 
against the former Chief Executive. In accordance with Article 51 of the 
United Nations Charter, this action was reported immediately to the 
Security Council on June 26. On June 27, Ambassador Albright provided 
evidence of Iraq's assassination attempts to the United Nations Security 
Council, which had been convened in emergency session at our request.
    I am certain that you share my sincere hope that the limited and 
proportionate action taken by the United States Government will 
frustrate and help deter and preempt future unlawful actions on the part 
of the Government of Iraq. Nonetheless, in the event that Iraqi 
violence, aggression, or state-sponsored terrorism against the United 
States continues, I will direct such additional measures in our exercise 
of the right of self-defense as may be necessary and appropriate to 
protect United States citizens.
    I remain committed to ensuring that the Congress is kept fully 
informed regarding significant employments of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
Accordingly, I am providing this report on the U.S. military actions of 
June 26, consistent with the War Powers Resolution. I appreciate your 
thoughts and continued support as we address these important concerns.
    Sincerely,
                                            William J. Clinton

[[Page 1184]]

Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. Foley, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Robert C. Byrd, President pro tempore of 
the Senate.