Pentagon's military drones have been spying on US citizens for last decade - Now we know for certain

03/09/2016 - 21:29

Gregg Zoroya


The Pentagon has deployed drones to spy over U.S. territory for non-military missions over the past decade, but the flights have been rare and lawful, according to a new report.

The report by a Pentagon inspector general, made public under a Freedom of Information Act request, said spy drones on non-military missions have occurred fewer than 20 times between 2006 and 2015 and always in compliance with existing law.

The report, which did not provide details on any of the domestic spying missions, said the Pentagon takes the issue of military drones used on American soil "very seriously."

READ MORE ON USA TODAY

PARTIAL LIST OF DRONE MISSIONS (PDF) | DEFENSE.GOV

READ THE REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (PDF)