WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump’s administration is expected to relax Obama-era restrictions on the U.S. military’s use or acquisition of landmines, two U.S. officials said on Thursday, a move criticized by arms control groups.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the decision could be announced as early as Friday.
Such a step would underscore the administration’s willingness to upend policies taken by Trump’s Democratic predecessor, in the face of concerns about the dangers of such weaponry to civilians long after conflicts end.
President Barack Obama’s administration said in 2014 that it would no longer produce or otherwise acquire anti-personnel landmines, including to replace existing U.S. stockpiles, which can age to the point where the munitions can longer be used.
The United States also prohibits the use of the weapons outside of the Korean peninsula. |