An unpiloted “drone” plane armed with anti-tank missiles and remotely operated by the CIA is reported to have killed six people in Yemen. The six, described as suspected terrorists, were in the vehicle that was destroyed in the attack on Monday.



Unpiloted aircraft have been widely used for reconnaissance but Monday’s attack is the first time an armed drone has been used outside a war zone. The first reported use was in Afghanistan earlier in 2002.



Analysts say the development reflects the growing importance of remotely operated weapons to the US military. To the military, the benefits are lower cost and no risk of loss of their personnel. More here.