Appeals court skeptical of Obama secrecy around drone killings

A U.S. appeals court expressed skepticism about the Obama administration’s assertions the government can withhold documents related to its drone program, Reuters reports.

A lawsuit brought by the advocacy group American Civil Liberties Union is playing out in federal court. In dispute is whether the government has confirmed the role of the CIA in the program, and if so, whether the CIA must turn over documents to the ACLU, according to reports.

A ruling against the government could force the release of information such as the government's legal explanation of how the targeted killings comply with international law and U.S. citizens’ rights abroad.