- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Two Australians Killed in US Drone Attack in Yemen

© Photo : US Air Force / Staff Sgt. Brian FergusonUS drone in flight
US drone in flight - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Two Australian men, one of whom held dual citizenship with New Zealand, were killed in a US predator drone strike in November in Yemen, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

MOSCOW, April 16 (RIA Novosti) – Two Australian men, one of whom held dual citizenship with New Zealand, were killed in a US predator drone strike in November in Yemen, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

The men were killed during a counterterrorism drone strike along with three known al-Qaida operatives. Their identities were later confirmed by DNA tests, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Wednesday according to the AP.

The New Zealand man had attended a terrorist training camp and was being watched by intelligence agencies, Key added.

Australian officials released a short statement about both men, but did not give further details.

"We understand the men were killed during a counterterrorism operation and do not intend to discuss its details," the statement said.

An Australian newspaper reported earlier Wednesday the two men were killed in November by a Predator drone strike on five al-Qaeda militants travelling in a convoy of cars in Yemen.

The United States’ use of drone strikes to target suspected terrorists has come under intense scrutiny both inside the US and overseas.

Civilian deaths have also angered Yemeni and Pakistani officials, who have strongly opposed the US drone campaign.

US President Barack Obama and his administration have defended the practice, saying drone strikes have saved lives as they are less deadly than sending in troops.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала