Letter to Congressional Leaders on United States Military Operations in Syria

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Madam President:)

As I have reported previously, militia groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have perpetrated a series of attacks against United States personnel and facilities in Iraq and Syria. These attacks, which have caused injuries to United States personnel, have placed under grave threat the lives of United States personnel and of Coalition forces operating alongside United States forces.

As I reported on October 27, 2023, November 10, 2023, and November 14, 2023, in response to this series of attacks and the threat of future attacks, at my direction, United States forces conducted targeted strikes against facilities in Syria used by IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups.

On the night of November 21, 2023, at my direction, United States forces conducted discrete strikes against facilities in Iraq used by the IRGC and IRGC-affiliated groups for command and control, logistics, and other purposes. The strikes were taken to deter future attacks and were conducted in a manner designed to limit the risk of escalation and avoid civilian casualties. I directed the strikes in order to protect and defend our personnel who are in Iraq and Syria conducting military operations pursuant to the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. The strikes were intended to degrade and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on United States personnel and facilities.

I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad and in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests, pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and to conduct United States foreign relations. The United States took this necessary and proportionate action consistent with international law and in the exercise of the United States' inherent right of self-defense as reflected in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The United States stands ready to take further action, as necessary and appropriate, to address further threats or attacks.

I am providing this report a 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.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR.