Unfortunately, in war, there are casualties, including among the civilian population.

We are a nation of laws, and we will always act within the bounds of the law.

How you define a problem shapes how you address it.

Is real, it is serious, it is growing, and it constitutes one of the greatest threats to our national security and, indeed, to global security.

I want to be very clear - whenever it is possible to capture a suspected terrorist, it is the unqualified preference of the Administration to take custody of that individual so we can obtain information that is vital to the safety and security of the American people.

The risk of just one terrorist with just one nuclear weapon is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.

In full accordance with the law - and in order to prevent terrorist attacks on the United States and to save American lives - the United States government conducts targeted strikes against specific al-Qa'ida terrorists, sometimes using remotely piloted aircraft, often referred to publicly as drones.