Since its creation, the United States has made eleven formal declarations of war, yet from 1798 to the present day, this country has used its armed forces abroad hundreds of times.
The Congressional Research Service has compiled a list of America’s use of military force abroad. The report is in a PDF which for the convenience of readers I have converted into five sections: 1798-1899, 1900-1985, 1986-1998, 1999-2004, and 2005-2012.
When viewed in its totality, this record makes clear that military force has in varying degrees always been the prism through which the U.S. government views the world. And keep in mind: this is just a list of the use of armed forces — it does not include the use of the CIA to topple governments, the support of proxy wars, the arming of insurgencies or the supply of the global weapons market which fuels conflict around the world.
- 2005 Terrorism threat/Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia.
On May 20, 2005, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the global war on terrorism,” as well as operations in Iraq, where about 139,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed. U.S. forces are also deployed in Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, Eritrea, and Djibouti assisting in “enhancing counterterrorism capabilities” of these nations. The President further noted that U.S. combatequipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,700 personnel). Approximately 235 U.S. personnel are also deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo who assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia. - 2005 Terrorism threat/Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia/Iraq.
On December 7, 2005, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the global war on terrorism,” and in support of the Multinational Force in Iraq, where about 160,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region—Kenya, Ethiopia, Yemen, and Djibouti—assisting in “enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities” of these nations. The President further noted that U.S. combat-equipped military personnel continued to be deployed in Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR (1,700 personnel). Approximately 220 U.S. personnel were also deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo who assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.” - 2006 Terrorism threat/Kosovo/Bosnia/Iraq.
On June 15, 2006, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” and in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as part of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. About 131,000 military personnel were deployed in Iraq. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region, and in Djibouti to support necessary operations against al-Qaida and other international terrorists operating in the region. U.S. military personnel continue to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The U.S. contribution to KFOR was about 1,700 military personnel. The NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo was established in November 22, 2004 as a successor to its stabilization operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina to continue to assist in implementing the peace agreement. Approximately 250 U.S. personnel were assigned to the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo to assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counter-terrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.” - 2006 Lebanon.
On July 18, 2006, the President reported to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, that in response to the security threat posed in Lebanon to U.S. Embassy personnel and citizens and designated third country personnel,” he had deployed combat-equipped military helicopters and military personnel to Beirut to assist in the departure of the persons under threat from Lebanon. The President noted that additional combat-equipped U.S. military forces may be deployed “to Lebanon, Cyprus and other locations, as necessary.” to assist further departures of persons from Lebanon and to provide security. He further stated that once the threat to U.S. citizens and property has ended, the U.S. military forces would redeploy. - 2006 Terrorism threat/Horn of Africa/Kosovo/Bosnia.
On December 15, 2006, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of multiple ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,” in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and as part of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. About 134,000 military personnel are deployed in Iraq. U.S. forces were also deployed in the Horn of Africa region, and in Djibouti to support necessary operations against al-Qaida and other international terrorists operating in the region, including Yemen. U.S. military personnel continue to support the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The U.S. contribution to KFOR was about 1,700 military personnel. The NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo was established in November 22, 2004 as a successor to its stabilization operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina to continue to assist in implementing the peace agreement. Approximately 100 U.S. personnel were assigned to the NATO Headquarters-Sarajevo to assist in defense reform and perform operational tasks, such as “counterterrorism and supporting the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia.” - 2007 Terrorism threat/Kosovo/Afghanistan.
On June 15, 2007, the President sent to Congress “consistent” with the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,”and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European (KFOR), and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is currently “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 25,945. Of this total, “approximately 14,340 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,584 military personnel. - 2007 Terrorism threat/Kosovo/Afghanistan.
On December 14, 2007, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,”and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is currently “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 25,900. Of this total, “approximately 15,180 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,498 military personnel. - 2008 Terrorism threat/Kosovo/Afghanistan.
On June 13, 2008, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,”and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, and Southern Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida terrorists and their supporters. The U.S. is actively “pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan currently total approximately 31122. Of this total, “approximately 14,275 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically, the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 1,500 military personnel. - 2008 Terrorism threat/Kosovo/Afghanistan.
On December 16. 2008, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report giving details of ongoing United States military deployments and operations “in support of the war on terror,”and in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The President reported that various U.S. “combat-equipped and combat-support forces” were deployed to “a number of locations in the Centrol, Pacific, European, Southern, and Africa Command areas of operation” and were engaged in combat operations against al-Qaida and their supporters. The United States is “actively pursuing and engaging remnant al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” U.S. forces in Afghanistan total approximately 31, 000. Of this total, “approximately 13, 000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The U.S. military continues to support peacekeeping operations in Kosovo, specifically the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The current U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is about 1,500 military personnel. - 2009 Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo.
On On June 15, 2009, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report, giving details of “ongoing contingency operations overseas.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 58,000,” of which approximately 20,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.” The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.” The U.S. also continues to deploy military forces in support of the Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq. The current U.S. contribution to this effort is “approximately 138,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 1,400 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United states continues to deploy “U.S. combatequipped forces to help enhance the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies” not only in the Horn of Africa region, but globally through “maritime interception operations on the high seas” aimed at blocking the “movement, arming and financing of international terrorists.” - Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo.
On December 5, 2009, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report, giving details of “global deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed “ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 68,000,” of which approximately 34,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban forces in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed “various combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 116,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 1,475 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United States continues to deploy “U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies” not only in the Horn of Africa region, but globally through “maritime interception operations on the high seas” aimed at blocking the “movement, arming and financing of international terrorists.” - 2010 Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo.
On June 15, 2010, the President sent to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report, giving details of “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 87,000,” of which over 62,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues combat operations “against al-Qa’ida terrorists and their Taliban supporters” in Afghanistan. The United States has deployed “combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the U.S. Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 95,000 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently, the United States contributes approximately 1,074 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. In addition, the United States continues to “conduct maritime interception operations on the high seas” directed at “stopping the movement, arming and financing of international terrorist groups.” - Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Iraq/Kosovo.
On December 15, 2010, the President submitted to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a consolidated report, detailing “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 97,500,” of which over 81,500 were assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States is continuing combat operations “against al-Qa’ida terrorists and their Taliban supporters” in Afghanistan. The United States has deployed “combat-equipped forces to a number of locations in the U.S. Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. In addition, the United States continues to conduct “maritime interception operations on the high seas in the areas of responsibility of the geographic combatant commands” directed at “stopping the movement, arming and financing of international terrorist groups.” The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq in support of Iraqi efforts to “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 48,400 U.S. military personnel.” U.S. military operations also continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). The United States currently contributes approximately 808 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. - 2011 Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Libya/Kosovo.
On June 15, 2011, the President sent to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report, giving details of “global deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas. The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 99,000,” of which approximately 83,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed various “combat-equipped forces” to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation” in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. This includes the deployment of U.S. military forces globally to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies through maritime interception operations on the high seas “aimed at stopping the movement, arming and financing of certain international terrorist groups.” A combat-equipped security force of about “40 U.S. military personnel from the U.S. Central Command” were deployed to Cairo, Egypt, on January 31, 2011, for the sole purpose of “protecting American citizens and property.” That force remains at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. The United States also continues to deploy military forces in Iraq to help it “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations continue pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The current U.S. force level in Iraq is “approximately 45,000 U.S. military personnel. In Libya, since April 4, 2011, the U.S. has transferred responsibility for military operations there to NATO, and U.S. involvement “has assumed a supporting role in the coalition’s efforts.” U.S. support in Libya has been limited to “intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance.” The U.S. military aircraft have also been used to assist in the “suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone” over Libya. Since April 23, 2011, the U.S. has supported the coalition effort in Libya through use of “unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets” there. Except in the case of operations to “rescue the crew of a U.S. aircraft” on March 21, 2011, “the United States has deployed no ground forces to Libya.” U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 800 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. - Libya.
On March 21, 2011, the President submitted to Congress “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report stating that at “approximately 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, on March 19, 2011,” he had directed U.S. military forces to commence “operations to assist an international effort authorized by the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council and undertaken with the support of European allies and Arab partners, to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and address the threat posed to international peace and security by the crisis in Libya.” He further stated that U.S. military forces, “under the command of Commander, U.S. Africa Command, began a series of strikes against air defense systems and military airfields for the purposes of preparing a no-fly zone.” These actions were part of “the multilateral response authorized under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973,” and the President added that “these strikes will be limited in their nature, duration, and scope. Their purpose is to support an international coalition as it takes all necessary measures to enforce the terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973. These limited U.S. actions will set the stage for further action by other coalition partners.” The President noted that United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 authorized Member States, under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, to take all necessary measures to protect civilians and civilian populated areas under threat of attack in Libya, including the establishment and enforcement of a “no-fly zone” in the airspace of Libya. United States military efforts are discrete and focused on employing unique U.S. military capabilities to set the conditions for our European allies and Arab partners to carry out the measures authorized by the U.N. Security Council Resolution. The President stated further that the “United States has not deployed ground forces into Libya. United States forces are conducting a limited and well-defined mission in support of international efforts to protect civilians and prevent a humanitarian disaster.” Accordingly, he added, “U.S. forces have targeted the Qadhafi regime’s air defense systems, command and control structures, and other capabilities of Qadhafi’s armed forces used to attack civilians and civilian populated areas.” It was the intent of the United States, he said, to “seek a rapid, but responsible, transition of operations to coalition, regional, or international organizations that are postured to continue activities as may be necessary to realize the objectives of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.” The President said that the actions he had directed were “in the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States.” He took them, the President stated, “pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.” - Central Africa.
On October 14, 2011, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report stating that “he had authorized a small number of combat-equipped U.S. forces to deploy to central Africa to provide assistance to regional forces that are working toward the removal of Joseph Kony,” leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), from the battlefield. For over two decades the LRA has murdered, kidnapped, and raped tens of thousands of men, women, and children throughout central Africa, and has continued to commit atrocities in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic. The U.S. Armed Forces, the President noted, would be a “significant contribution toward counter-LRA efforts in central Africa.” The President stated that on “October 12, 2011, the initial team of U.S. military personnel with appropriate combat equipment deployed to Uganda.” In the “next month, additional forces will deploy, including a second combat-equipped team and associated headquarters, communications, and logistics personnel.” The President further stated that the “total number of U.S. military personnel deploying for this mission is approximately 100. These forces will act as advisors to partner forces that have the goals of removing from the battlefield Joseph Kony and other senior leadership of the LRA.” U.S. forces “will provide information, advice, and assistance to select partner nation forces.” With the approval of the respective host nations, “elements of these U.S. forces will deploy into Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The support provided by U.S. forces will enhance regional efforts against the LRA.” The President emphasized that even though the “U.S. forces are combat-equipped, they will only be providing information, advice, and assistance to partner nation forces, and they will not themselves engage LRA forces unless necessary for self-defense. All appropriate precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of U.S. military personnel during their deployment.” The President took note in his report that Congress had previously “expressed support for increased, comprehensive U.S. efforts to help mitigate and eliminate the threat posed by the LRA to civilians and regional stability” through the passage of the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009, P.L. 111-172, enacted May 24, 2010. - Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Libya/Iraq/Kosovo.
On December 15, 2011, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a supplemental consolidated report, giving details of “deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat.” The report detailed ongoing U.S. contingency operations overseas. The report noted that the total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was “approximately 93,000,” of which approximately 78,000 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The United States continues to pursue and engage “remaining al-Qa’ida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.” The United States has deployed various “combat-equipped forces” to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, Southern and African Command areas of operation in support of anti-terrorist and anti-al-Qa’ida actions. This includes the deployment of U.S. military forces globally: “including special operations and other forces” for “sensitive operations” in various places, as well as forces to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies. U.S. forces also have engaged in maritime interception operations on the high seas “aimed at stopping the movement, arming and financing of certain international terrorist groups.” The United States continued to deploy military forces in Iraq to help it “maintain security and stability” there. These Iraqi operations were undertaken pursuant to the terms of a bilateral agreement between the United States and Iraq, which entered into force on January 1, 2009. The U.S. force level in Iraq on October 28, 2011, was “36,001 U.S. military personnel.” The U.S. was committed to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq by December 31, 2011. [This occurred, as scheduled, after this report was submitted]. In Libya, after April 4, 2011, the U.S. transferred responsibility for military operations there to NATO, and U.S. involvement “assumed a supporting role in the coalition’s efforts.” U.S. support in Libya was limited to “intelligence, logistical support, and search and rescue assistance.” The U.S. military aircraft were also used to assist in the “suppression and destruction of air defenses in support of the no-fly zone” over Libya. After April 23, 2011, the United States supported the coalition effort in Libya through use of “unmanned aerial vehicles against a limited set of clearly defined targets” there. Except in the case of operations to “rescue the crew of a U.S. aircraft” on March 21, 2011, and deploying 16 U.S. military personnel to aid in re-establishing the U.S. Embassy in Tripoli in September 2011, “the U.S. deployed no ground forces to Libya.” On October 27, 2011, the United Nations terminated the “no-fly zone” effective October 31, 2011. NATO terminated its mission during this same time. U.S. military operations continue in Kosovo, as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). Presently the United States contributes approximately 800 U.S. military personnel to KFOR. - 2012 Somalia.
On January 26, 2012, the President submitted to Congress, “consistent with the War Powers Resolution,” a report detailing a successful U.S. Special Operations Forces operation in Somalia of January 24, 2012 to rescue Ms. Jessica Buchanan, a U.S. citizen who had been kidnapped by a group linked to Somali pirates and financiers. This operation was undertaken “by a small number of joint combat-equipped U.S. forces” following receipt of reliable intelligence establishing her location in Somalia. A Danish national Poul Hagen Thisted, kidnapped with Ms. Buchanan, was also rescued with her. - Terrorism threat/Afghanistan/Somalia/Yemen/Central Africa/Kosovo.
On June 15, 2012, the President reported to Congress “consistent with” the War Powers Resolution, a consolidated report regarding various deployments of U.S. Armed Forces equipped for combat. In the efforts in support of U.S. counterterrorism (CT) objectives against al-Qa’ida, the Taliban and, associated forces, he noted that U.S. forces were engaged in Afghanistan in the above effort were “approximately 90,000.” With regard to other counter-terrorism operations, the President stated that the U.S. had deployed “U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the CT capabilities of our friends and allies including special operations and other forces for sensitive operations in various locations around the world. He noted that the “U.S. military has taken direct action in Somalia against members of al-Qa’ida, including those who are also members of al-Shabaab, who are engaged in efforts to carry out terrorist attacks against the United States and our interests.” The President further stated that the U.S. military had been “working closely with the Yemeni government to operationally and ultimately eliminate the terrorist threat posed by al-Qa-ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the most active and dangerous affiliate of al-Qa’ida today. He added that these “joint efforts have resulted in direct action against a limited number of AQAP operatives and senior leaders in that country who posed a terrorist threat to the United States and our interests.” The President noted that he would direct “additional measures against al-Qa’ida, the Taliban, and associated forces to protect U.S. citizens and interests.” Further information on such matters is provided in a “classified annex to this report….” Other military operations reported by the President include the “deployment of U.S. combat-equipped military personnel to Uganda “to serve as advisors to regional forces that are working to apprehend or remove Joseph Kony and other senior Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leaders from the battlefield and to protect local populations. The total number of U.S. military personnel deployed for this mission is “approximately 90,” and elements of these U.S. forces have been sent to “forward locations in the LRA-affected areas of the Republic of South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic.” These U.S. forces “will not engage LRA forces except in self-defense.” The President also reported that presently the U.S. was contributing “approximately 817 military personnel: to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) in Kosovo. He also reported that the U.S. remained prepared to engage in “maritime interception operations” intended to stop the “movement, arming, and financing of certain international terrorist groups,” as well as stopping “proliferation by sea of weapons of mass destruction and related materials.” Additional details about these efforts are included in “the classified annex” to this report. - Libya/Yemen.
On September 14, 2012, the President reported to Congress “consistent with” the War Powers Resolution, that on September 12, 2012 he ordered deployed to Libya “a security force from the U.S. Africa Command” to “support the security of U.S. personnel in Libya.” This action was taken in response to the attack on the U.S. “diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya,” that had killed four America citizens, including U.S. Ambassador John Christopher Stevens. The President added that on September 13, 2012 that “an additional security force arrived in Yemen in response to security threats there.” He further stated that: “Although these security forces are equipped for combat, these movements have been undertaken solely for the purpose of protecting American citizens and property.” These security forces will remain in Libya and in Yemen, he noted, “until the security situation becomes such that they are no longer needed.”
