Targeted assassinations via drone strikes, such as the killing of Iran’s Qassem Suleimani, have become progressively normalised with the help of official secrecy, government propaganda and some uncritical press coverage, according to a report. “It is surely unarguable now that drones have enabled and normalised a culture of targeted killing which is eroding international law norms and making the world a more dangerous place,” Cole said. He argued the recent strike could usher in a violent “new era in drone warfare”. Frew, in her report, called on the UK to disclose its policy on drone targeted killing, to respond to questions about the “kill list” and engage in international efforts to develop a code of conduct about the use of armed drones. She added: “Senior ministers have played to the gallery on drone targeted killing without responding and engaging in proper debate on the legal and ethical issues.”

Source: The Guardian January 19, 2020 18:22 UTC