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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Targeted Killing

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There is currently a heated debate about the utilization of targeted killings. However, the purpose of this essay is not intended to debate the utilization of target killings; instead it will outline the numerous pros and cons of targeted killing. Then the utility of using targeted killing as part of a kinetic covert action plan will be discussed. Finally, this essay will present a few legal and policy implications of targeted killing. First and foremost, targeted killings are effective at reducing or eliminating a potential threat against the United States. If a known terrorist, who is believed to be plotting an attack, is at a certain location it is fairly simple to order a drone strike to kill the individual. As a result, the attack planned by that individual will obviously not happen, thus the target was effectively eliminated. Another pro for targeted killing via …show more content…

The main reason is killing a known terrorist can be perceived as a human rights violation. This argument is provide by critics of drone strikes who claim if the terrorist location is known, he should be captured rather than killed. The argument to capture a terrorist, instead of killing him, bring ups another con of targeted killing. If someone is killed they provide no intelligence value, but if they are captured they could potentially provide valuable actionable intelligence. In addition to human rights violations and the decrease of actionable intelligence, targeted killing can increase the amount of recruits due to increasing the hatred for the United States. Additionally, targeted killings are not supported by the majority of other nations and therefore results in an unfavorable public opinion of the United States. Lastly, although using a small number of special operations operatives reduces the amount of potential U.S. casualties, targeted killings carried out in this manner are extremely risky and

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