U.S. discloses more conditions for lethal drone strikes

Army Times: WASHINGTON — The White House has released a version of President Obama's 3-year-old guidance on the use of lethal force against terrorists overseas, laying out what it says are safeguards to minimize civilian deaths and errant strikes while preserving the capability to take quick action with drone attacks and other means.

The "presidential policy guidance" stipulates that the U.S., when operating outside areas of active hostilities, will only take direct action when there is "near certainty" that the terrorist target is present and that noncombatants won't be killed or injured. Lethal force can also be undertaken only against a lawful target that poses a "continuing, imminent threat" to Americans.

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