Drone strikes: Attacks are lawful, says US official
Says US could provide assurances they avoid civilian casualties 'in both counterterrorism and military operations'.
WASHINGTON:
Department of Defense (DoD) spokesperson George Little said on Tuesday that drones are “lawful and precise” and that they operate within the confines of American law and policy.
In a press briefing the DoD spokesperson was asked about the specifics of the drone program operated in various countries by the US including Pakistan and civilian casualties, in response to the New York Times article on how the US President has a kill list, and signs off on many drone strikes himself.
Little said that while he could not talk about the specifics of the program, he said that the US could provide assurances that they avoid civilian casualties “in both counterterrorism and military operations”.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2012.
Department of Defense (DoD) spokesperson George Little said on Tuesday that drones are “lawful and precise” and that they operate within the confines of American law and policy.
In a press briefing the DoD spokesperson was asked about the specifics of the drone program operated in various countries by the US including Pakistan and civilian casualties, in response to the New York Times article on how the US President has a kill list, and signs off on many drone strikes himself.
Little said that while he could not talk about the specifics of the program, he said that the US could provide assurances that they avoid civilian casualties “in both counterterrorism and military operations”.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2012.