WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. military has confirmed rumors that it plans to augment the Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, with parts of Islamic Shariah law.

"In the name of God, the most compassionate and merciful, and his Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, I announce that the Uniform Islamic Code of Military Justice is hereby declared operational," Army judge advocate Lt. Gen. Dana Chipman told reporters at a press conference. Chipman was flanked by his new deputy advisor, Dr. Osama al-A'bd from the Islamic Al-Azhar university in Egypt.

The change originally began as an investigation in response to congressional complaints that commanders were using the UCMJ to abuse subordinates accused of misconduct, while exonerating more senior-level officers. While conducting the review, the group tasked with overhauling the UCMJ accidentally discovered an 1813 treaty signed between the United States and the Bey of Tripoli.

According to the treaty, which was both ratified by Congress and …