U.S. may shift more drones away from CIA

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Obama administration officials say they are considering shifting some of the CIA's covert drone operations to the U.S. military.

John Brennan, Obama's nominee to be CIA director, told the Senate Intelligence Committee in written comments he favors having the Pentagon handle the bulk of drone missions.

The Los Angeles Times said Sunday the military operates under a more-transparent set of rules, which in some cases could mean more public disclosure about missions.

Drone operations have become a source of some friction between Washington and foreign governments. CIA flights are classified unless the president specifically de-classifies them. The military, however, could release information more freely, the Times said.

The newspaper said some CIA officials favor the proposal. Turning over a large chunk of its missions to the military will allow the agency to focus more energy on pure intelligence-gathering flights.