WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US decision to weaponize Italy’s unmanned aerial vehicles reveals Washington’s intention to expand military operations to Africa, advocacy group KnowDrones.com Coordinator Nick Mottern told Sputnik.
"The United States is motivated to make this sale in part by the shortage of US killer drone operators while desiring to expand [its] planned drone operations, including into northern Africa, a part of the world in which Italy has a tragic colonial history," Mottern said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the US Department of State approved a sale of equipment to Italy to weaponize the country’s Reaper MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles.
Mottern argued the US Congress must move immediately to stop the sale Hellfire missiles and other drone munitions to Italy.
Such a move would “prevent the… spread of a weaponized drone system that derives… power from its ability to… violate the privacy of whole populations and to assassinate — both violations of international law,” he pointed out.
Mottern also warned that drones are only the latest weapon involved in the US a long-standing colonial strategy that is described as “targeted killing.”
“It is truly tragic to see Italy following the United States and Britain down this illegal, hellish path. Citizens of Italy beware as these killer drone chickens may well come home to roost," Mottern concluded.
The prime contractor in the drone deal will be the General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems, Inc. of San Diego, California.
