U.S. to drastically increase drone flights over conflict zones: reportAugust 17, 2015 - 14:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. military will drastically increase drone flights over the next four years, in a bid to boost intelligence and strike capabilities across a growing number of conflict zones, the Wall Street Journal reported. The Pentagon is planning to expand the number of daily flights from 61 at present to as many as 90 by 2019, a senior defense official told the Journal, according to AFP. The move represents the first significant increase in the controversial U.S. drone program since 2011, reflecting the rise in global hotspots. As well as providing extra surveillance in regions such as Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the South China Sea and North Africa, the new plan would expand the Pentagon's capacity for lethal drone air strikes. That program, which has expanded massively under President Barack Obama, is the subject of frequent criticism from observers who say the highly secretive drone raids have killed many innocent civilians. Nonpartisan groups say U.S. drone strikes have killed at least 3,000 people, the Journal reported. Under the new plans, the U.S. Air Force, which currently carries out the bulk of drone missions, would get help from the Army, Special Operations Command and government contractors. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |