04-17-2012
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http://www.commondreams.org, Common Dreams staff
In the aftermath of a series of US drone attacks in Yemen -- which US officials never officially acknowledge (except when they do) -- concern is growing that the airstrikes are strengthening, not hindering, militant networks in the region. Though 'unnamed' security or military officials in Yemen often claim only "Al Qaeda members" or "militants" are killed, there is rarely media confirmation, especially in the US media, about who or how many individuals are killed.
Fears are growing that the secretive US drone program will create a violent backlash and further destabilize a country teetering on the brink.
"U.S. involvement is far more than ever in Yemen. We have no evidence that all those being killed are terrorists," Abdul Salam Mohammed, director of Abaad Strategic Center, told CNN. "With every U.S. attack that is conducted in Yemen al Qaeda is only growing in power and we have to ask ourselves why that is happening."
