A group of human rights organizations have expressed concern that US President Donald Trump’s reported new drone policy increases the risk of civilian casualties, calling on the Trump administration to clarify its policy on drone use.
The groups, which include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union, said the reported policy changes lack transparency in the decision-making process.
“We are deeply concerned that the reported new policy, combined with this administration’s reported dramatic increase in lethal operations in Yemen and Somalia, will add to an increase in unlawful killings and in civilian casualties,” a joint statement said.
In December, Trump signed the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act. The act funds the US military but also requires Trump to make known to Congress any changes to previous drone policies by March 12.
The Trump Administration has refused to publicly clarify…