In August 1996, President Clinton ordered a joint Navy-Marine strike against which country's air defense systems and bases?

In August 1996, President Clinton ordered a joint Navy-Marine strike specifically targeting Iraq’s air defense systems and military bases. This action was part of a series of military responses by the U.S. to Iraq's ongoing violations of United Nations resolutions following the Gulf War. The strike was aimed at degrading Iraq's ability to engage U.S. and allied aircraft that were enforcing the no-fly zones established after the Gulf War. The significance of this event lies in its demonstration of U.S. military readiness and its commitment to maintaining regional stability and enforcing international mandates regarding Iraq's military conduct.

Other options do not reflect the correct context of military operations conducted during that time. For example, there were no major joint military strikes against Kurdish entities, Iran, or Somalia executed by President Clinton in that same context or timeframe. Each of those countries had unique geopolitical situations that did not align with the specifics of the military actions ordered in 1996.