Legal Framework

UN Charter — Article 51

Preserves the inherent right of self-defense when an armed attack occurs, until the Security Council acts. Self-defense measures must be immediately reported to the Security Council and do not affect its authority to take action.

Related incidents

3 incidents

First-Ever US Airstrikes in Nigeria: Christmas Day Tomahawk Strikes on Sokoto

The US unilaterally struck a sovereign African nation for the first time, firing Tomahawk cruise missiles at Sokoto State. Locals disputed the ISIS narrative, unexploded ordnance fell in villages, and …

  • The US fired over a dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from the USS Paul Ignatius in the Gulf of Guinea, striking at least 16 targets in Sokoto …
  • At least four missile warheads failed to explode and fell short of targets, landing in the villages of Offa, Zugurma, and Jabo, creating an …

Iran War: Crime of Aggression — War Launched Without Congressional Authorization

The United States launched a major war against Iran without congressional authorization, without a UN Security Council mandate, and while diplomatic channels remained open. Legal experts, the Brennan …

  • On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched nearly 900 airstrikes in 12 hours against Iran under 'Operation Epic Fury,' killing Supreme …
  • Approximately 170 civilians were killed when a missile struck a girls' school adjacent to a naval base in Minab, near Bandar Abbas.

Operation Absolute Resolve: Unilateral US Military Intervention in Venezuela

The United States launched a unilateral military intervention in Venezuela, bombing infrastructure and capturing the sitting head of state, without Congressional authorization, UN Security Council …

  • The US launched Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026, bombing Venezuelan infrastructure and capturing President Nicolas Maduro …
  • The operation included bombing to suppress air defenses across northern Venezuela followed by a special operations raid on Maduro's compound …