Request for Declassification and Release of CJTF-HOA Records Pertaining to the Death of Ahmed Abdi Godane

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa
ATTN: CJTF-HOA FOIA Requester Service
CenterCamp Lemonnier, Djibouti
Email: africom.cldj.cjtf-hoa.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil

Re: Freedom of Information Act Request

Dear CJTF-HOA FOIA Requester Service Center,

Subject: Request for Declassification and Release of CJTF-HOA Records and Cable Communications Pertaining to the Death of Ahmed Abdi Godane

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552), concerning the operation leading to Ahmed Abdi Godane’s death, a key figure in Al-Shabaab. This operation, around August to September 2014 near Barawe, Somalia, holds historical and public significance, offering insight into U.S. military and counterterrorism efforts.

I seek all CJTF-HOA records and cable communications related to this operation, including but not limited to:

1. Operational Details: Logs, reports, and planning documents.
2. Aerial Footage: Reconnaissance or drone footage, with pre-strike surveillance and post-strike assessments.
3. Command Directives: Briefings, operational directives, and engagement rules.
4. After-action Analysis: Reports, evaluations, and collateral damage assessments.
5. Inter-organizational Communications: Emails and memos with U.S. military or intelligence bodies regarding the operation’s planning, execution, and analysis.
6. Intelligence on Godane and Al-Shabaab: Pre- and post-operation assessments.
7. Cable Files: Any diplomatic cables or secure communications related to Godane, Al-Shabaab, and the operation.

Legal Basis for Declassification: Executive Order 13526, Section 3.1(d); Wiener v. United States; Department of Defense v. FLRA; Environmental Protection Agency v. Mink.

FOIA Compliance: Department of Justice v. Tax Analysts; NLRB v. Robbins Tire & Rubber Co.; Wilner v. National Security Agency.

Fee Considerations: A Fee Waiver request is enclosed, noting the public interest in U.S. military operations.

Response in Case of Denial: I request detailed justifications for any denials, citing specific FOIA exemptions.

Enclosures:

• Fee Waiver Letter

Correspondence Tracking: Please provide a unique FOIA request number.

I await your response within FOIA’s 20-day statutory period.

Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter