For the first time in years, the US has deployed Predator drones to search for al-Qaeda in Yemen, but has yet to fire any missles from the aircraft due to a lack of good intelligence.Officials said the Predators have been in Yemeni airspace for months in search of al-Qaeda operatives. After a number of attacks involving cruise missiles earlier this year, local al-Qaeda leaders "went to ground," according to a senior administration official.
Asked whether the drones would be free to fire, another administration official said, "The only thing that does fall into the 'no' category right now is boots on the ground."
| Happy hunting, boys! |