Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles deployed by U.S. defense and intelligence agencies to collect data and strike suspected enemy targets. The first known U.S. strike was the 2002 killing of al-Qaeda operative Qaed Salim Sinan al-Harethi in Yemen. Between 2022 and 2020 the U.S. killed between 9,000 and 18,000 enemy combatants and 900-2200 civilians with drone strikes. Opponents of drone strikes have long contended strikes that kill civilians essentially serve as a recruiting poster for terrorist groups. In 2010, a man named Faisal Shahzad tried and failed to bomb Times Square in New York City. Later, Shahzad cited US drone strikes as his motivation for the failed bombing. Proponents of drone strikes argue that they can kill high value w=enemy targets without putting soldiers into combat.
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@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
Yes
@9FMPZZ22yrs2Y
If the evidence is enough, no foreign suspected terrorist should be able to fight the charges anyways, and would be sentenced to death one way or the other.
@9FR3JWRRepublican2yrs2Y
using drones to spy will get you caught due to them being noisy and if they look up they will notice something in the sky
@9FZ88JG2yrs2Y
Most times we have killed suspected terrorists, we have been right. Granted some civilians have been killed, which is regretable, but then again a high valued target was eliminated, which could have caused more deaths to civilians within not only our country, but their own as well.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
No
@9F5BMBCIndependent2yrs2Y
If we have a chance to stop a threat to American people and the country this is in gives permission we should stop the threat.
@9FCJQ5F2yrs2Y
But then you have a very grey line of what is and what isn’t a threat. We’ve proved ourselves unable to manage the direction that drone warfare can lead to if not competently handled. And not only that, our habit of risking the chances of killing the wrong people in the name of fighting terror has happened a ridiculous amount of times with evidence thanks to Julian Assange who is behind bars and he is behind bars because there is no accountability for the lives lost and that’s what brought me to the conclusion that NO, we should not kill “suspected terrosist” in a foreign country.
@SheepSkylarRepublican2yrs2Y
While the concern about the grey line of threat identification is valid, it is also important to consider the advancements in technology that have improved precision and accuracy. A prime example is the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, which have greatly improved not only the identification of threats but also the reduction of collateral damage. Furthermore, international law and treaties can be revisited to ensure more stringent regulations and accountability in drone usage. As for Julian Assange, his situation is quite complex and cannot be solely attributed to drone warfare. So, how do we strike a balance between national security and ethical considerations in your view?
@passerby928mos8MO
"Suspected" doesn't cut it.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
No, the military has no right to do so without a Congressional declaration of war
@9FNNDC82yrs2Y
I think there should be no reason why we cannot use military drones. Regardless of whether we want to start a war or not having that upper hand on the opposing enemy is the best thing for us.
@9FMPZZ22yrs2Y
I think that the military should actively use more drones to counter insurgencies in friendly nations.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism
@9FZ83632yrs2Y
would you be fine with having drones watching your every move too? how do we know you aren't a terrorist as well?
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
No, only to gather intelligence, not to kill suspected terrorists
@9FMPZZ22yrs2Y
Drones typically do not have guns, therefore, are safe for the most part, only gathering intelligence in most cases, but if there is undeniable evidence, then a person should be killed.
@9G69SN32yrs2Y
Gathering evidence using drones to spy is a shady way of doing business, it seems unethical and would make a bad impression of our American values
@9FZ88JG2yrs2Y
I feel with the right amount of information, we should be able to send troops in order to kill a suspected. Again, only with the right amount of information.
@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
Yes, but only with permission from the country in question
@9G8L94D2yrs2Y
If a country doesn't want to be monitored by the U.S. or are hiding something from the U.S. then of course that country is going to say no to a drone monitoring them.
@9G69SN32yrs2Y
If the country in question agrees and gives us permission to do something, we can successfully remove/deal with the leader who is an issue to us without offending or aggravating an entire country or group of people.
Yes but ideally with permission from the country in question.
@9HB5MKV1yr1Y
Absolutely to gather intelligence. Assassinations should be reserved solely for confirmed terrorists with proof that they have or will attack our nation or an ally
@5923DDK5yrs5Y
We are killing innocents. We are destroying hospitals by mistake. Sometimes I think about the panic our citizenry would fly into if other nations started using killer drones on us. We would be outraged. And yet here we are, doing this very thing to them.
Absolutely to gather intelligence. Assassination should be reserved for undeniably confirmed terrorists
No, this is a violation of these country’s sovereignty as well as a violation of international law.
@9GN5KWP2yrs2Y
Absolutely to gather intelligence, but assassinations should be permitted only for confirmed, not simply suspected, terrorists
The United States should not have any resources in foreign countries, and should stay out of places that do not concern them, because getting involved and adding military bases, and stuff like that only makes room for conflict
@9JW87V61yr1Y
Absolutely for gathering intelligence. Assassinations should be reserved for confirmed terrorists that are imminent threats to the country
@9L74FFC1yr1Y
Absolutely to gather intelligence, but reserve assassinations for confirmed terrorists who have or will attack our nation or that of an ally
@9L4Z23BIndependent 1yr1Y
The military can gather intelligence, however they cannot kill terrorists without Congressional approval or a declaration of war
@979XN3F3yrs3Y
Yes, but only if there is no risk of any civilian casualties
@9K2DFHN1yr1Y
Yes to gather intelligence, but no to killing suspected terrorists unless they are highly proven they are a terrorist.
@58NVHL85yrs5Y
Isn't this exactly why we have secret spy agencies?
@9D22FQZ2yrs2Y
Yes and nuke china if they try to start a war with us
@jfk335yrs5Y
Yes, but only kill convicted terrorists
@9WXG3RT 6 days6D
No, instead fly over with the permission of the country in question, to gain intelligence on the suspect and rapidly capture them.
@B54FFRG1wk1W
Yes, if it is an active warzone, with clear intelligence and a CONOP that would reduce civilian casualties.
@B54BY5Z1wk1W
Satellite surveillance is a valid and largely harmless form of military Intel, but it should never be used to take human life.
@B4WC4BS2wks2W
Yes, we need to do anything to combat terrorism. But we shouldn't kill them. We should capture them and have them face the consequences.
@B4W89V22wks2W
Yes, with aproval of the host nation, if there is no approval then the senate should secretly decide.
I feel like if we have enough evidence on a person we should warn the person the is high up in said area and not kill but bring back in the US and sentence there depending on the severity of the attack think about stronger outcomes them just death bc thats the easy way out for multiple other people death.
@B4VBZQB3wks3W
No, the military should not use drones to kill suspected terrorists when there is a risk to civilian lives.Regardless if its drones or military soldiers, any US weapon (human or not) can be seen as a provocation. For terrorists, drones are part of the current enemy not a new one. While drones can be valuable intelligence tools, lethal strikes often result in civilian casualties and deepen anti-American sentiment. This only fuels terrorist recruitment and prolongs the cycle of violence. Instead, drones should be used to track and identify threats, and when possible, deploy non-lethal measures to capture suspects alive. This would allow for intelligence gathering, fair trials, and a foreign policy that is more humane, lawful, and ultimately more effective.
@B4S4QRZ3wks3W
Yes, but only countries [1] with whom we have an adversarial relationship, [2] from whom we have permission, or [3] in which there is an active military conflict (e.g., Ukraine).
@B4RMDVJ3wks3W
Yes, but only in a case where there is a legitimate risk/situation where the military COULD prevent a possible disaster.
@B4MWW3Z4wks4W
Yes, but only in a situation where there is an attack being planned, or with permission from the country, and or congress.
@B4MLB554wks4W
No, only to gain intelligence, not kill "suspected" terrorists. Needs high investigation before killing, no "suspects" (i.e. unsure)
@B4M56HW4wks4W
The US isn't the global police we should leave these regions and only provide help if they ask for it as US presence in the Middle East only caused MORE chaos
@9ZTQW4V 4wks4W
Yes, but only under strict criteria of an imminent threat, exhausted non-lethal options, respect for international law wherever possible, and with Congressional oversight. Drone strikes should not be routine policy.
@B4KLCSB4wks4W
Yes but we have to gain permission from the governments of the countries where the terrorist is thought to be living. If the country in question refuses then they should have tariffs and embargos against their country
@B4HLRQ51mo1MO
The military should only be allowed to do so with permission from the country in question and if there is enough evidence to prove suspicions of terrorism.
@B4GLDS31mo1MO
Yes, but only with the permission of the country in question, in extreme cases where it is needed to aid a group within a country and the country refuses it would be allowed but it shouldn't be used unless aid or surveying the country is the aid a group.
@B4GDX2YIndependent1mo1MO
For intelligence purposes, absolutely. For assassinations, we should be much more careful and less reckless then we have been in the past we kill far too many innocent civilians with drone strokes and that needs to be drastically reduced.
@B489HH31mo1MO
Yes but with permission from the country in question and confirmed terrorists. Too many innocent people are in crossfire
@B425TCL2mos2MO
Yes, but only in emergencies, and Congress should have the right to documents regarding the killing afterwards
@B3ZCJ6Y2mos2MO
They should gain intelligence, but to kill suspected terrorists, they should gather substantial evidence first before making any action.
@B3X5C3T2mos2MO
I think it is fine to prevent terrorism, but drones could cause implications and i do not think it is right to kill them if it is not confirmed they are terrorists.
@B3T2PK22mos2MO
They should only gather information, or kill actual terrorists, and it must be with permission from the country in question
@B3SFR8L2mos2MO
I think its necessary if they are causing a issue with our country. If we are doing it with no background I do not think it is necessary.
Only if there is reasonable suspicion to believe terrorists are present, and if given permission from the country to do so.
Double edged sword. What if suspected terrorists were not terrorists at all, or incriminated as such?
@B3JFF242mos2MO
The war on terror was kind of a failure, but the ISIS and Al-Qaeda movements are mostly damaged or destroyed
@B3H4Y772mos2MO
No, only to gather intelligence and only to kill with permission from said foreign country unless the country is a hostile state and an enemy of the United States or if they have committed an attack against the United States.
@B3GT2Q92mos2MO
No, only to gather intelligience but if we see something suspicious we need to report it and or act on it
@B37C76V3mos3MO
other country may not permit but also shouldnt be a declaration of war. we should in exigent circumstances.
@B34BKDC3mos3MO
Yes, but only with permission from that country and only if that terrorist has committed terroristic acts on America.
@B33YQP93mos3MO
It should mainly be used for intelligence, but may be used to kill suspected terrists if we have undeniable proof and in a way that minizes as much civilian casualties as possible (with the countries permission if possible)
@B33VF4G3mos3MO
No, only for surveillance and with permission from the country or a declaration of war from congress
@B2YY5JZRepublican3mos3MO
If others are going to do it to the United States, then we have the right to do it to them. If they stop doing it to the United States then we stop.
@B2XNCT63mos3MO
Yes, but only kill if they can prove the suspect is a terrorist or potential terrorists beyond reasonable doubt.
@B2X634Z3mos3MO
since this is asking about suspected terrorists my answer would vary since there's no proof that the suspect is the terrorist
@B2RVGJ83mos3MO
No, only gain intelligence if the other country gives permission and absolutely do not kill anyone without discussion.
Yes, but only when U.S. intelligence knows unequivocally that the alleged terrorist will conduct an operation that will undermine American intelligence in the process.
@B2PMQNG3mos3MO
Yes, but only with undeniable evidence that they are a terrorist who plans to or has committed a crime against our country.
@B2L7GC53mos3MO
We should use drones primarily for intelligence. We should only use drones to assassinate terrorists if we have confirmed they are a threat to the US.
@B2JW3424mos4MO
no the government should only do that if it is absolutely nessassery for the grater good of lives in america
@B29TGCH4mos4MO
they could see that as a threat to thier securty and that could possibly lead to further problems otherwise yes
@B2676X4Libertarian5mos5MO
The U.S. can use the drones for spying, but can only kill once they have definite confirmation that these suspects are terrorists
@B24D5LP5mos5MO
Yes, with permission from governments that will work with us or in an act of war with those that won't.
@B23MMCB5mos5MO
yes, but they need to make sure that these people are terrorists because they could just be killing innocent people
@B22C7S55mos5MO
Seek permission from the country, but if they hate us then well idk this is a hard question, like most honestly, but I would say overall we should stop getting involved in these nations which have radicalized many of its citizens against us and a lot of the world.
@B224SBZ5mos5MO
Yes, if the country has history of a bad government and have many people involved with hurting either their country or other countries.
@9ZYNHQ4 5mos5MO
Yes, drones should be able to gain intelligence, however the only drone killings should be on confirmed terrorists, not suspected terrorists
@9ZYJH9J5mos5MO
This is a touchy subject but I feel that instead of drones,we should go back to having more opperatives
Not to kill terrorist, but we can't be offended to other countries if they do it as well when we do it to them. We ARE NOT special, and need to get over our own egos.
@9ZW543C5mos5MO
No. Death, destruction, and poverty has been heavily linked to terrorism. Instead we should focus on rebuilding efforts and helping to establish a strong free market economy in third world countries that would allow them to grow and thrive and eliminate the motivators for terror.
fly overs are ok, but murdering a SUSPECT is insane. a confirmed terrorist is a different story, but you cant kill on suspicion.
@MJStevens94Republican 6mos6MO
Yes, but only if there is undeniable evidence that the suspect has committed an attack on the country. Also, more should be done to prevent civilian casualties.
@9ZRG8TB6mos6MO
Would the US be fine if other countries do this to us? I think we need a better way to prevent evil people from doing evil or continuing to do evil and if it saves innocent lives, I'd consider it, but also know the US is just as guilty as inappropriately spying on others just as it does its own citizens.
@JcawolfsonIndependent 6mos6MO
No, drones should only be used to gather good intelligence. We cannot kill “suspected terrorists” unless there is beyond reasonable doubt, clear evidence, and an established immediate threat. Unless it’s necessary action to combat clear terrorism & inaction is negligible, the military has no right to do so without permission from the country in question and/or a Congressional declaration of war.
@9ZQJCHV6mos6MO
With permission from the country in question, a kill is okay, but without permission it may only do so with a Congressional declaration of war/only to gather intelligence
No, you would be invading other territories and probably start a war on a country that probably was not even worried about us
The military should usually only fly over for intelligence gathering. If the foreign government is linked to the terrorist, then permission for missions should not be asked for.
@9ZMMKL26mos6MO
Yes, with the permission of the country. Without permission, the threat should have to be considered high and the risk worth the reward. Determination of the threat level should be made by the intelligence community, not legislators.
@9ZKPBMH6mos6MO
No, because by spying on foreign territory they are looking at the security of their country and could fall into a national conflict.
@9ZH925X 6mos6MO
Yes, but only use lethal means if there is undeniable evidence of an impending attack on the United States or its allies
@9ZGS2WL6mos6MO
If it can kill only the specified group or targeted person I would agree, If civilians are being killed then the drones shouldn't be apart of the fire zone.
@9ZF56YD6mos6MO
Yes if needed if the country is an immediate dangers otherwise we are risk our cover and could put ourselves in more jeopardy.
@9ZDM4N76mos6MO
the US should only do so with a congressional declaration of war and with approval of the hosting country
@9ZDDKSS6mos6MO
No, we should not be killing suspected terrorists. They need to be given a trial, and we need to have evidence that they are guilty before taking any action like this.
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