Report Contradicts Obama on Drone Casualties

U.K.-based investigative reporters working with the Sunday Times have determined that “since Obama took office three years ago, between 282 and 535 civilians have been credibly reported as killed [by CIA drone attacks in Pakistan], including more than 60 children.”

The findings contradict the president’s own assertion that drone strikes are surgical and minimize casualties. Obama has made the use of drones a signature element of his revised military strategy.

Among other revelations discussed in this Amy Goodman / “Democracy Now!” interview with the story’s lead reporter: The CIA appears to target rescuers who respond to drone attacks to tend to the wounded and dead; CIA attacks in Pakistan that lead to civilian casualties are not subject to the same scrutiny as military attacks in Afghanistan; and David Petraeus’ tenure as CIA director may signal a change in policy.