Since September 11th, 2001, the United States (U.S.) has been pursuing justice and capture of those responsible for the terrorist attacks of 9/11. On April 29, 2011, President Obama approved Operation Geronimo, an operation surrounding Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts and approval to kill or capture. On May 01, 2011, members of the United States Special Forces conducted a raid against bin Laden’s compound, resulting in his death. The legality of this operation has been the subject of debate, raising questions about international law, humanitarian law, and executive authority. This essay argues for President Obama’s legal authority regarding Operation Geronimo. President Obama had the legal authority to order and execute Operation Geronimo based on Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognizes the right of self-defense, the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force, which allows all necessary force to be used against those responsible for the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the combatant status of Osama bin Laden. Although Executive Order 12333, prohibits assassination, it does permit the lawful targeting of enemy …show more content…
This article recognizes the right to self-defense. According to Article 51, there is an inherited right that members of the United Nations possess that authorizes individual or collective self-defense during an armed attack. Given the magnitude of the attacks carried out by al-Qaeda, a designated foreign terrorist organization according to the U.S. Department of State, under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, it is widely recognized that September 11th, 2001, attacks are categorized as an armed attack against the United States, thus permitting President Obama legal authority to carry out the capture or killing of Osama bin Laden under Article 51 of the United Nations