Demonstrators form human chain near US base in Germany

BERLIN – Demonstrators have formed a human chain near a U.S. air base in western Germany to protest against lethal drone strikes.

Organizers estimated that about 5,000 people took part in the chain near the Ramstein Air Base on a rainy Saturday, while police put the number at some 2,000, news agency dpa reported.

Activists contend that the base is used to relay flight control data for lethal drone strikes. They are calling for the base, a major U.S. military hub, eventually to be closed altogether.

President Barack Obama said during a 2013 visit to Berlin that “we do not use Germany as a launching point for unmanned drones … as part of our counterterrorism activities.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.