IIhan Omar Urges Pentagon for Compensation and Reform in U.S. Drone Program
In a bold move, Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali American, has called on the Pentagon to acknowledge and compensate the family of Luul Dahir Mohamed and Mariam Shilow Muse, victims of a U.S. drone attack in Somalia. Omar's plea comes in the wake of the Pentagon's recent release of its "Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response."
The U.S. Drone Program Critique
Omar doesn't mince words, expressing her belief that the U.S. drone program is fundamentally flawed, responsible for thousands of innocent lives lost over two decades. She emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with the proclaimed commitment to human rights and peace.
Seeking Compensation: Omar's Plea
The Congresswoman has publicly expressed her disappointment in the Department of Defense's refusal to respond or acknowledge the family's repeated attempts to seek justice and compensation. Omar argues that it's not just a legal obligation but a moral one to address the truth of what happened and offer rightful compensation.
Congressional Authorization and Annual Funds Allocation
Omar underscores that Congress has repeatedly authorized compensation for civilian victims of U.S. operations. Surprisingly, she claims that despite an annual appropriation of $3 million for such payments, these funds have never been utilized in Somalia, where confirmed civilian deaths have occurred.
The Tragedy in Somalia: April 1, 2018
The focal point of Omar's plea is the tragic drone attack on April 1, 2018, in Somalia, claiming the lives of at least three civilians, including Luul and her daughter. The challenge lies in the difficulty of definitively identifying the victims, a matter that adds complexity to the issue.
Military Investigation and Family's Unanswered Efforts
An investigation by The Intercept revealed a previously secret military report acknowledging the deaths of a woman and child in the strike. However, the report concludes that their identities might never be known. The Intercept's reporter, after traveling to Somalia, found that the family's efforts to contact the U.S. government through official channels had gone unanswered for over five years.
Calls for Action from Various Quarters
Omar's call for action echoes a similar demand by Rep. Sara Jacobs and an open letter from 24 human rights organizations, urging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to compensate the family for the deaths. The collective pressure seeks accountability and justice for the victims.
New Defense Department Instruction and Congressional Appropriation
The Defense Department's recent release of the "Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response" establishes policies for responding to civilian harm, including expressing condolences and providing ex gratia payments. Omar points out the inconsistency, questioning why the allocated funds have never been utilized in Somalia despite confirmed civilian deaths.
Conclusion
Ilhan Omar's plea for acknowledgment, compensation, and reforms in the U.S. drone program is a call for justice and accountability. The family of Luul Dahir Mohamed and Mariam Shilow Muse, like many others, seeks closure and recognition for the losses suffered due to military operations.
FAQs
Why is Ilhan Omar calling on the Pentagon to compensate Luul and Mariam's family?
- Omar believes it's both a legal and moral obligation to acknowledge the truth of what happened and compensate the family for their loss.
What does Omar think about the U.S. drone program?
- Omar critiques the U.S. drone program, describing it as fundamentally flawed and responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people over two decades.
What is the significance of the April 1, 2018, drone attack in Somalia?
- The attack resulted in the deaths of at least three civilians, highlighting the human cost of military operations.
Why has Congress appropriated $3 million annually for civilian payments, and why hasn't it been used in Somalia?
- Congress allocates funds annually for civilian payments, but according to Omar, these funds have never been used in Somalia despite confirmed civilian deaths.
What prompted the Defense Department's recent "Instruction on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response"?
- The instruction aims to establish policies for mitigating and responding to civilian harm during U.S. military operations, including expressing condolences and providing payments to affected individuals and communities.
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