The US Drone Program

            The terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, terrorized the American population and the targeting and killing of al-Qaeda members through the use of drones by United States government began. The United States has two drone programs: one operates under the military and second operates under the C.I.A. (Since the C.I.A. drone operation operates in secrecy, it is impossible to receive accurate information and many individuals have suggested Obama administration and future administrations to install military-led drone operations to ensure rule of law remains and drone operations are open to public scrutiny). The drone attacks under the Obama administration has steadily increased – most recent drone attack occurred in Pakistan and Yemen. On October 22, 2013, reports conducted by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International were released, claiming the United States drone campaign in Yemen and Pakistan violates the international humanitarian law. The purpose of drones is to reduce U.S. military casualties and pursuant to Authorization for use of Military Force (AUMF) drones are to be used "as an effective tool in the fight against [enemies of United States]." (Levs 2013) However, investigations made by the United Nations identified thirty-three drone strikes around the world have resulted in civilian casualties. (Emershaw 2013) Since 2004, the United States drone strikes in Pakistan has resulted in an estimated total fatalities of 3213: children making up 175 (5.4%) of total fatalities, civilians making up 535 (16.7%) of total fatalities, others (militants, military commanders etc.) making up 2453 (76.3%) of total fatalities and high profile targets making up 50 (1.6%) of total fatalities. ("A Visualization of Drone Strikes in Pakistan since 2004." N.d.) The sole purpose of drone operation is to reduce U.S. military casualties but U.S soldiers in Pakistan have also become a target of U.