“GCHQ
is under pressure again on Wednesday after lawyers claimed documents
leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden may indicate complicity in
US targeted killing missions. A leading barrister has been asked to
assess classified documents given to the Guardian newspaper by NSA
whistleblower Edward Snowden. The files discuss how a US, UK and
Australian joint operation codenamed Overhead was involved in a
targeted killing in Yemen in 2012.”
“The
documents are alleged to show that Overhead and GCHQ developed their
abilities to track potential targets in both Yemen and Pakistan –
abilities which are key to the targeted killing program pursued by
the US. Experts say US operations in both nations are, at best,
legally dubious. Yemen and Pakistan are not officially recognized
battlefields, unlike Afghanistan where the UK has also been involved
in drone strikes.”
“Some
sections of the spy community are said to be highly resistant to
disclosure. On Tuesday, David Anderson QC, who is reviewing GCHQ, MI5
and MI6 surveillance powers, said the agencies in question should
make their capabilities known in a 'public avowal.'”
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