Nearly 100 attacks have occurred since 2009, according to estimates from the New American Foundation, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of militants, but also many civilians.Īl Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen has been a nexus of threats against the U.S., including the so called “underwear bomber” who tried to ignite explosives on a U.S.-bound airliner in 2009. Embassy in Tripoli was evacuated.įacing threats from al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Obama administration significantly ramped-up the use of armed drones. compound in Benghazi, and in July of this year, the U.S.

In 2012, four Americans were killed during an attack on the U.S. Since then the security situation in Libya has deteriorated. Security Council resolution authorizing use of force to protect Libyan civilians, and though regime change wasn’t Obama’s stated goal at the beginning of the campaign, the airstrikes ended with the death of longtime Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. would join allied nations to launch air strikes on Libya. strikes that kill civilians could have the effect of spurring radicalization. Obama acknowledged that concern during a major speech at the National Defense University in 2013, saying that U.S. drones flying over Pakistan, causing similar uproar when they strike civilians rather than suspected Taliban outposts. Like in Afghanistan, militants have been targeted by U.S. officials expect the long-awaited Bilateral Security Agreement to be signed soon, permitting the residual U.S. With a new Afghan president finally confirmed, U.S. In May Obama announced a plan to withdraw most American forces from Afghanistan by the end of this year, leaving behind a force of about 10,000 to maintain security and train Afghan forces. and the local government, which has decried the high civilian death toll. The air campaign – which has utilized both manned aircraft and unmanned drones – has been a major sticking point between the U.S. Here are seven places where the Obama administration is known to have ordered airstrikes:Īmerica’s longest war became Obama’s responsibility when he took office in 2009, and like his predecessor he has ordered airstrikes against suspected militant targets in the country.

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