Reuters: U.S. strike inadvertently killed U.S., Italian hostages; Obama apologizes
(Reuters) - A U.S. drone strike in January targeting an al Qaeda compound in Pakistan near the Afghan border inadvertently killed an American and an Italian who had been held hostage for years by the group, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
President Barack Obama apologized and took "full responsibility" for all counterterrorism operations, including this one.
The deaths were a setback for the long-running U.S. drone strike program that has targeted Islamist militants in Pakistan, Afghanistan and elsewhere, and has often drawn criticism in those countries and from civil liberties groups in the United States.
MIDDLE EAST
Yemen factions divided over peace talk terms.
Saudi-led airstrikes bomb Yemen's Shiite rebels in 6 cities. Fighting and new air strikes mark next phase in Yemen. Yemen's defiant Shiite rebels press their offensive as Saudi Arabia launches airstrikes.
Saudi airstrikes destroy Houthi military targets in Yemen. Saudi-led coalition launches air strikes throughout Yemen: residents.
Despite military drawdown in Yemen, few signs of diplomacy.
'You can find nothing in the city now': Yemen reels after month-long air strikes.
Fleet of Iranian ships heading to Yemen turns around after being tracked by US warships.
Rebels launch new offensive in northwestern Syria.
Diplomatic push for final Iran nuclear deal in Vienna.
Moscow will insist on lifting arms embargo against Iran — Russian diplomat.
Rocket from Gaza fired at Israel on its independence day -army.
ASIA
Pakistani military claims to have killed 47 Taliban fighters.
Obscure Myanmar ethnic rebel group opens new front on western frontier.
China warns North Korea's nuclear arsenal is expanding, report says.
Farmer's suicide triggers protests in India.
Smoking gun: South Korea uncovers northern rival's hacking codes.
Thai government holds talks with politicians, activists.
Beijing releases wanted list for worldwide fugitive hunt.
US supports Taiwan's participation in Interpol.
AFRICA
Somalia seeks to drive militants from southern valley bases: PM.
Fighting in South Sudan's Upper Nile drags into third day.
Libya's rival government says would confront EU attacks on traffickers.
Nigeria says troops invade last Boko Haram stronghold. Boko Haram regroups en masse in stronghold area: Report.
Nigerian rights group calls for ICC probe of Zulu king.
South African demonstrators condemn attacks on immigrants.
Anti-ISIL rally turns violent in Ethiopia.
Guinea security forces clash with protesters, one dead.
Angolan police say 22 killed in clashes with religious sect.
EUROPE
Chechen leader Kadyrov hits back over Russian shooting. Chechen leader to men: Fire on unauthorized federal troops.
Poland says may support Ukraine's defenses if crisis escalates.
State Dept. warns of new Russian military buildup on Ukraine border.
Russian defense ministry says U.S. troops in east Ukraine: Interfax.
Kiev preparing strike against eastern Ukraine – DPR leader.
Ukraine troops shelled by pro-Russian rebels near Mariupol.
Mediterranean migrants crisis: EU triples funding. EU leaders commit ships, aid for action on Med migrants.
Italy says 200,000 migrants may arrive by sea this year.
EU leaders commit ships, aid for action on Med migrants.
No place for asylum seekers: EU reportedly plans to kick out 29 of every 30 refugees.
Greek PM meets Merkel, urges speeded up reform-for-cash deal.
Armenian killings were genocide - German president.
Poland accepts FBI boss' regrets over holocaust comments.
UK cabinet reportedly split over sending Saudis weapons amid Yemen conflict.
France has foiled five terror plots since Charlie Hebdo attack, says French PM. France 'foils five terror attacks' - PM Valls.
AMERICAS
House Benghazi panel calls Clinton to testify.
Exclusive: Clinton charities will refile tax returns, audit for other errors.
Puerto Rico officials warn government shutdown imminent.
Russia, Argentina sign agreement on strategic partnership.
Thousands evacuated as Chile volcano erupts.
Brazil's Petrobras corruption costs hit $2bn.
Secret Service took months to replace alarm system at HW Bush's home, report finds.
Exclusive: Clinton charities will refile tax returns, audit for other errors.
Petraeus to plead guilty to mishandling classified binders.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Al Qaeda poses new risk to Saudi security amid Yemen turmoil.
White House says counterterrorism strike followed protocols.
White House: Americans held by, working with al-Qaida killed.
How ISIS is luring so many Americans to join its ranks.
Facing threat in Congress, Pentagon races to resettle Guantanamo inmates.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
U.N. expert says secret trade deals threaten human rights.
Nasdaq bests record high set in 2000 during dot com boom.
Deutsche Bank in record $2.5bn fine over interest rate manipulation.
As YouTube marks tenth year, Facebook emerges as video threat.
Oil jumps 3 percent, hits 2015 high on Yemen, supply concern.
1 comment:
Earnest and others are running around stating that Obama didn't personally or specifically sign off on the drone strike. Sounds like we're getting into "it depends of what the definition of is is" territory. Oh how they wiggle.
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