Drones are world's 'weapon of choice', says U.N. expert

A United Nations expert has said drones are the world's 'weapons of choice'.

A special reporter on human rights and countering terrorism at the U.N., Ben Emmerson, said the ability of drones to loiter for long periods and gather intelligence before a strike, coupled with the use of precision-guided munitions, is a positive advantage from a humanitarian law perspective in reducing the risk of civilian casualties, CBS News reports.

Emmerson's report, however, expressed the concern about the lack of transparency and accountability on drone strikes.

The report concluded that drones may be the technological answer to terrorism, if civilian casualties could be avoided.