White House Wants To Broaden The CIA's Authority On Drone Strikes

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone sits armed with Hellfire missiles and a 500-pound bomb in a hanger at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan March 9, 2016. Josh Smith/Reuters file

NBC: Trump Administration Wants to Increase CIA Drone Strikes

WASHINGTON — When President Donald Trump visited CIA headquarters in the first weeks of his presidency, he toured the secure floor where agency officers direct drone strikes against suspected terrorists, current and former U.S. officials told NBC News.

Impressed by what he saw, Trump conveyed to incoming CIA Director Mike Pompeo and the assembled agency officers that he wanted them to take a more aggressive posture, according to two current U.S. officials and one former official briefed on the visit.

Soon afterward, multiple sources said, the CIA began carrying out drone strikes that might not have been authorized under the Obama administration, including in Syria, where the military has taken the lead on targeting militant leaders.

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Update: Trump looks to broaden CIA's authority on drone strikes: Report -- Washington Examiner

Previous Post: CIA Wants To Expand Its Authority To Use Drone Strikes In Afghanistan And Other War Zones Despite Pentagon Concerns (September 16, 2017).

WNU Editor: Aside from a few in Congress and the media .... including the Pentagon who have already voiced their opposition .... I strongly doubt that many will oppose the CIA being given more authority on drone strikes. Is this a good idea .... I am not sure. In the past when the CIA conducted targeted assassinations/killings .... the blow-back was always severe. Will it be different this time because drones are being used .... hmmmmm .... as I said .... I have my doubts.