Another US Predator drone gets it wrong

[The Northerner]

The US Predator drone is celebrated for its ability to target enemies more carfeully, reducing civilian casualties and the need for American soldiers on the ground.

But since US President Barack Obama began using drones on a large scale in 2008, a body of evidence suggests the drones are not as precise as once thought. For one thing, their targets are still determined by military and intelligence agencies. And they often get it wrong.

There have been some spectacular examples, including an attack on Oct. 30, 2006 that obliterated an Islamic boarding school in Chenagai, Pakistan, killing 82 civilians.

More recently, the Turkish military launched a full-scale 40-minute attack against 38 men along the country's border with Iraq. Their movement was reported by a US Predator drone patrolling the area. Thirty-four people, all of them civilians who were guilty only of the mundane crime of smuggling gasoline, were killed as a result.

Read more: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/chatter/another-us-predator-drone-gets-it-wrong

[gratuitous]

1. Well, at least in this instance we didn't directly blow these guys to Kingdom Come

We just guided their executioners to the killing ground. I feel so much better about that, and by jingo if I don't feel safer, too! Another triumph for the United Fucking States of By God America.

[xchrom]

2. Du rec. Nt

[DirkGently]

3. Despicable and indefensible.

[fascisthunter]

4. sick little experiment by the military industrial complex

blood money. Those involved should be forced to tell the victim's friends and family for forgiveness.

[KG]

5. they all get it wrong.

[Bonobo]

6. People here ask how is it different than a bomber.

Because it is too fucking easy with not an iota of risk.

THAT changes things.

If there is such a thing as evil, you can count these cowardly drone actions in that category.