As democrats in congress continue to attack President Donald Trump for targeting the Nuclear Sits in Iran – here’s a quick reminder of some of the countries Obama ordered airstrikes against, with out explicit congressional approval.
Afghanistan:
Obama escalated troop levels in 2009 in the country and ordered airstrikes, including drone strikes, without Congressional approval. Obama cited approval given in 2001 – eight years before his actions – as reason no new approval was sought.
Iraq:
Obama ordered airstrikes starting in August 2014 against ISIS despite advocating their repeal in 2013. He argued these addressed an imminent threat to U.S. personnel and a humanitarian crisis, bypassing new Congressional authorization. The War Powers Resolution clock was reset multiple times, avoiding a formal vote.
Syria:
Airstrikes started in September 2014 against ISIS. Obama initially sought Congressional approval in 2013 for strikes against Assad but stopped asking for approval after he faced opposition and decided to take action without new authorization.
Libya:
In March 2011, Obama authorized airstrikes leading to Gaddafi’s overthrow. No Congressional approval was sought, with the administration claiming the action fell under the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day limit – even though it lasted eight months. Obama later called this a mistake, acknowledging that he didn’t have legal grounding to take action
Yemen:
Drone strikes started in 2009 against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. These were not authorized by a new Congressional vote, and Obama justified them as counterterrorism operations, even though he did not have approval and the strikes resulted in the k*lling of civilians
Somalia:
Airstrikes and drone strikes against al-Shabaab started in 2009. Obama did not get congressional approval, saying once again the strikes were targeted counterterrorism efforts against an al-Qaeda affiliate so Obama could take action
Pakistan:
Drone strikes in Waziristan started days after Obama’s inauguration in 2009, escalating to 128 strikes in 2010. No Congressional authorization was given, and they were publicly condemned by Pakistan.
Philippines:
The U.S. conducted limited airstrikes and drone strikes against ISIS affiliates in 2017, particularly during the Marawi siege, with U.S. support including airstrikes authorized under Obama’s administration in late 2016. No specific Congressional approval was sought or given.
Mali:
In 2013, Obama logistical support and conducted a drone strike against al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) target, following a French-led intervention. This did not have new congressional approval.
Niger:
U.S. airstrikes started in 2016 against AQIM and ISIS affiliates with no new Congressional authorization.
Obama said his actions were all a part of the 2001 AUMF – 8 years before he started conducting airstrikes in other countries
