During President Barack Obama's administration (2009–2017), the United States conducted drone strikes in several countries as part of its counterterrorism efforts. The primary countries targeted by these drone operations included:
Pakistan: The U.S. significantly increased drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal regions, particularly targeting areas like North and South Waziristan. These strikes aimed at dismantling al-Qaeda and Taliban networks operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. thebureauinvestigates.com+2newyorker.com+2washingtonpost.com+2
Yemen: Drone strikes in Yemen focused on combating al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The U.S. targeted suspected militants in various regions, including the 2013 Radda airstrike, which mistakenly hit a wedding convoy, resulting in civilian casualties. newarab.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2businessinsider.com+2
Somalia: Operations in Somalia targeted the militant group al-Shabaab. Notably, a 2016 strike killed approximately 150 suspected militants at a training camp.
Afghanistan: While drone strikes were part of broader military operations, they were extensively used to target Taliban and al-Qaeda operatives across various provinces.
Iraq: Drone operations in Iraq were primarily aimed at combating the rise of ISIS, especially after the group's significant territorial gains in 2014.
Syria: The U.S. initiated drone strikes in Syria targeting ISIS strongholds and leadership, particularly after the group established a significant presence in the region.
Libya: In 2011, the U.S., alongside NATO allies, conducted airstrikes, including drone operations, during the intervention against Muammar Gaddafi's regime.