US President Barack Obama: I am haunted by civilian deaths in drone strikes
BARACK Obama revealed he is 'haunted' by civilian deaths that occurred unintentionally in drone attacks on terrorism targets during a speech tonight.
The President said the deaths will affect him for the rest of his life and in future it must be virtually certain drone attacks will not result in civilian casualties.
However, Mr Obama defended the use of drone attacks and claimed they were legal, effective and a necessary component in America's counterterrorism policy.
Mr Obama said: "Neither I, nor any president, can promise the total defeat of terror.
"What we can do - what we must do - is dismantle networks that pose a direct danger, and make it less likely for new groups to gain a foothold, all while maintaining the freedoms and ideals that we defend."
The President recently signed agreed to guidelines which illustrate to Congress and the public under what circumstances drone attacks can be used.
Officials say guidelines include not using drone strikes when targets can be captured and using drones only when a target poses an 'imminent' threat.
Mr Obama said: "For me, and those in my chain of command, these deaths will haunt us as long as we live
"There must be near-certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured - the highest standard we can set."
Since taking a seat in the White House, the President's strategy against terrorists has increasingly relied on strikes by unmanned spy drones.
The programme, which has largely targeted Pakistan and Yemen, has faced criticism over its legality and scope by congressional lawmakers.