What’s in the New Executive Order on Civilian Casualties?

What’s in the New Executive Order on Civilian Casualties?

On July 1, 2016 President Obama released a new Executive Order titled United States Policy on Pre- and Post- Strike Measures to Address Civilian Casualties in U.S. Operations Involving the Use of Force. The Executive Order is intended to formalize procedures for limiting civilian casualties when the United States uses force both in armed conflict and in self-defense. The Executive Order also formalizes procedures that must be undertaken after strikes, requires an annual report on civilian casualties outside “areas of active hostilities,” and requires periodic consultation to consider potential improvements on existing efforts to mitigate civilian casualties. Below are the details of the Executive Order.