The CIA received approval to target a wider range of targets in Pakistan's tribal areas, including low-level fighters whose identities may not be known, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
The expanded strikes began under President George W. Bush and have accelerated under President Barack Obama.
Supporters credit the covert targeted killing program with dealing a serious blow to al Qaeda and the Taliban, benefiting U.S. forces in neighboring Pakistan.
Critics say the expanded CIA strikes raise legal as well as security concerns amid signs the suspect behind Saturday's attempted car bombing in New York's Times Square had ties to the Pakistani Taliban movement, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP.
Despite initial U.S. skepticism, an official said TTP links to the case looked increasingly "plausible."
CIA-operated drones have aggressively targeted TTP leaders over the past year in Pakistan's tribal areas, and the group has vowed to avenge strikes that have killed several top leaders and commanders.
They want to be martyrs? Send 'em on their way.
By: Brant
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