I. Introduction and Background on the Use of
Drones
After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, President George W. Bush, in
his capacity as Commander-in-Chief, authorized the use of drones
against leaders of al-Qaeda forces, pursuant to Congress’
Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF).1 Pursuant to
AUMF, drones could be utilized against al-Qaeda forces to target or
to kill enemies. It has been reported that the United States possesses
two types of drones: smaller ones, which predominantly carry out
surveillance missions, and larger ones, which can carry hellfire missiles
and have been used to conduct strikes and targeted killings.2 Drone
strikes have been carried out by both the military as well as the CIA.
As Jane Mayer famously noted in her article:
The U.S. government runs two drone programs. The military’s
version, which is publicly acknowledged, operates in the
recognized war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq, and targets
enemies of U.S. troops stationed there. As such, it is an
extension of conventional warfare. The C.I.A.’s program is
aimed at terror suspects around the world, including in
countries where U.S. troops are not based.3
1.