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Targeted Killings Increase Under President Obama

HeadlineFeb 15, 2010

The Washington Post reports President Obama has authorized dozens of assassinations of al-Qaeda leaders and its allies since taking office. During the same period, the administration has not reported capturing any high-value prisoners. The Obama administration has authorized targeted killings more frequently than the George W. Bush administration did in its final years, including in countries where US ground operations are officially unwelcome or especially dangerous. In September, US Special Operations Forces operating in Somalia decided to blow up a car carrying the leader of al-Qaeda in East Africa instead of trying to capture him. The US have carried out at least two strikes inside Yemen. The Post reports US personnel have also worked closely on counterterrorism missions with local forces in Indonesia and the Philippines.

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