US Extra-Territorial Actions Against Individuals: Bin Laden, Al Awlaki, and Abu Khattalah—2011 and 2014

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter discusses the targeted killing by the US of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and of Anwar al Awlaki in Yemen, and the capture of Ahmed Abu Kattalah in Libya. It presents the facts and context of the actions, the legal position of the US and other protagonists and reactions in the international community. It proceeds to discuss the arguments for and against the legality of these extra-territorial actions by the US under law regarding use of force (but not under ius in bello). In the final section it is argued that rather than having precedential value the actions and reactions in these cases serve to emphasize the wide gap that exists in the different perceptions of states and scholars regarding the law on the extra-territorial use of force against terrorist groups or other groups of non-state actors.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Use of Force in International Law: A Case-Based Approach
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Print)9780198784357
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2018

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