International Studies Journal (ISJ)

International Studies Journal (ISJ)

The Legitimacy of Using Drones by the Central Intelligence Association (CIA): the Clandestine Nature of Such Operations and the Obligation to provide information

Document Type : Extension Article

Authors
MA in Public International Law, University of Tehran, Iran
Abstract
International humanitarian law has restricted the choice and application of military alternatives in armed conflicts by outlining some regulations. However, the 9/11 attacks opened a new chapter in such conflicts, resulting in challenges and uncertainties in the implementation of international humanitarian law. One of such cases is the use of drone attacks by clandestine organizations against terrorist groups. The special capabilities of drones particularly the secret nature of their operations have become an important element in the missions carried out by secret intelligence organizations against terrorist groups. The United States’ Central Intelligence Agency is among such organizations whose use of drone attacks has turned into a controversial issue from the perspective of humanitarian international law. Although the issue of whether the kind of violence used by American armed forces against terrorist groups amounts to hostility or not is still controversial, the present study considers the use of drone attacks as a military conflict, examining the legitimacy of such attacks and making an attempt to provide a descriptive and analytical analysis of the clandestine nature of drone attacks as opposed to the right to access information in military conflicts.
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