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United Nations says U.S. drones killed more civilians in Afghanistan in 2012
http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2013/02/20/1238453?sac=fo.militaryUnited Nations says U.S. drones killed more civilians in Afghanistan in 2012
By Kim Gamel
The Associated Press
KABUL, Afghanistan - The number of U.S. drone strikes in Afghanistan jumped 72 percent and the attacks were more deadly in 2012, the U.N. said Tuesday, a sign of the changing mission as international forces prepare to withdraw combat forces in less than two years.
The U.S. and NATO have long pledged to keep up the fight against al-Qaida and other militants even as they draw down forces. Drones are expected to take on a greater role as the Americans focus more on special forces operations.
Overall, the full-year toll of civilian deaths in 2012 declined compared to the previous year, according to an annual U.N. report. But the toll spiked in the second half of the year, compared to the same period a year earlier.
That spike suggests the country is likely to face continued violence as the Taliban and other militants fight for control.
