The US on Friday released figures for the first time that showed that between 64 and 116 civilians were killed in drone strikes outside “areas of active hostilities” on President Barack Obama’s watch. And it also enjoins upon the government to “offer condolences, including ex gratia payments” to civilians killed in such strikes, and coordinate casualty figures with non-government bodies. The DNI said between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants, intended targets, were killed in a total of 473 drone strikes outside “areas of active hostilities” from January 2009 to December 2015. “All armed conflict invites tragedy,” Obama said in a speech in 2013, explaining his reasons for using drones. An executive order issued by President Obama along with DNI release makes if incumbent upon the president, those who follow him, to publish these figures every year.

Source: Hindustan Times July 02, 2016 18:11 UTC