The Biden administration informed the Congress leadership on Thursday before ordering strikes on Iranian-backed militia groups in Syria and plans to offer lawmakers a full classified briefing by early next week, according to the White House.
“The Department of Defense informed the Congress leadership before taking action last night. The administration informed Hill today at the member and staff level today. A complete classified briefing will take place at the beginning of next week at the latest “, said the White House press secretary Jen Psaki
Jen PsakiBiden to hold virtual bilateral meeting with Mexican president Overnight Defense: Biden sends message with Syrian air strike | US information indicates the Saudi Crown Prince in Khashoggi’s assassination | The Pentagon is launching a civilian-led sexual assault commission, the Biden administration, to provide Congress with a fully classified briefing on the strikes in Syria by next week. he said in a statement.
Psaki also told reporters aboard Air Force One that President Biden
Joe Biden: House Democrats pass with 9.9 COVID-19 aid bill with minimum wage increase Biden to hold bilateral virtual meeting with Mexican president More than 300 people charged in connection with riot he authorized the strikes to send an “unequivocal message” to Iran that “it will act to protect the Americans.”
“The president sends an unambiguous message that he will act to protect Americans, and when they are threatened, he has the right to take action at that time and in the way he chooses,” Psaki said. “He will also take these actions in a deliberate manner that aims to reduce activity in both Syria and Iraq.”
The U.S. military on Thursday night launched airstrikes on facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in eastern Syria in retaliation for missile attacks targeting U.S. personnel and other Iraqi interests earlier this month.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby also confirmed Friday that the Department of Defense notified Congress leadership before the strikes and said administration officials have plans for a full-scheduled briefing scheduled for early next week.
In addition, the Pentagon made sure to consult with coalition partners before proceeding, as well as to contact and notify the Russian government just before the strike, using the current deconstruction channels.
Kirby also provided more details about the strike, which was carried out by two F-15 Strike Eagles who dropped seven precision-guided ammunition “completely destroying nine facilities and partially destroying two facilities, making them functionally destroyed.”
Preliminary details show that there were casualties on the spot, but Kirby declined to discuss details citing an ongoing assessment of the damage caused by the fight.
Some Democrats in Congress have criticized the strikes and demanded immediate information, raising questions about the legal authority of the administration.
“The American people deserve to hear the Administration’s reasoning for these strikes and its legal justification for the action without coming to Congress,” Sen. Tim Kaine
Timothy (Tim) Michael Kaine Overnight Defense: Biden sends Syrian air strike message | US information indicates the Saudi Crown Prince in Khashoggi’s assassination | The Pentagon is launching a civilian-led sexual assault commission, the Biden administration, to provide Congress with comprehensive classified information on Syria’s strikes by next week. Senators have not given a deadline for removing the national fence and the Capitol fence. (Ms.) He said in a statement. “Offensive military action without the approval of Congress is unconstitutional in the absence of extraordinary circumstances. Congress must be fully informed of this matter as soon as possible. ”
Psaki said Biden’s national security team had carried out a legal review before the strike and that the president had taken action in accordance with his Article II authority.
Updated at 14:51