UN appoints Briton to investigate drone war

A UNITED Nations expert has launched a special investigation into drone warfare and targeted killings, which the United States relies on as a front-line weapon in its global war against ­al-Qaeda.

One of the three countries requesting the investigation was Pakistan, which opposes the use of US drones on its territory but is believed to have tacitly approved some strikes.

Civilian killings and injuries that result from drone strikes on suspected terrorist cells will be part of the focus of the investigation by UK lawyer Ben Emmerson, the UN rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights.

The UN said Mr Emmerson will present his findings to the UN General Assembly later this year.

“The exponential rise in the use of drone technology in a variety of military and non-military contexts represents a real challenge to the framework of established international law,” he said announcing the probe.