US flies drones from Ethiopia to fight Somali militants

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15488804

The US military has begun flying drone aircraft from a base in Ethiopia, as part of its fight against Islamist militants in neighbouring Somalia.

US officials have confirmed to the BBC that the base, in the southern city of Arba Minch, is now operational.

But they stressed that the remotely-piloted drones were being used only for surveillance, and not for air strikes.

It is part of a growing counter-terrorism presence in the region as the US pursues groups with al-Qaeda links.

[ixion]

1. "not for air strikes..." yet

I'm sure that won't be too far down the road.

[xchrom]

2. I wonder how much of tax payer dollars is going for this? Nt

[OhioChick]

3. I see we're making friends again n/t

[xchrom]

4. buy them first -- then threaten them. nt