A monster's basic action is detailed on its Basic Action card. A basic action consists of a target action and an attack action with an attack profile. Monsters will perform a basic action on some AI cards, in some reactions, or if the AI deck and AI discard are both empty. Performing a basic action does not count as an AI card being drawn.
When an AI card or hit location card instructs the monster to perform a Basic Action and provides a target, it supersedes the "Pick Target" section on the Basic Action Card.[1]